Run Game Showcasing Versatility
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Josh Henderson sees Indiana’s running back potential, and can’t wait to exploit it, and not just because he’s a Hoosier running back.
Power, speed, and elusiveness are everywhere you look with IU’s latest running group. It’s led by Henderson, a senior, and freshman All-American Jaylin Lucas, plus the addition of Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner, plus the return of 6-3, 239-pound Trent Howland and 6-foot, 205-pound David Holloman.
“We’re all very dynamic,” Henderson says. “We can make plays in different ways. We’re doing that in practice. It’s good competition.”
Lucas is just as optimistic about what to expect in Year Two of offensive coordinator Walt Bell’s balanced attack.
“(Running backs) will be utilized heavy,” he says. “We have a rotation that goes on and on. Everybody has a different level of speed. You’ve got your power. Agility. Everybody in the running back room is held to a high standard."
Consider Henderson. Last season, his first as a Hoosier after transferring from North Carolina, the 5-11, 222-pounder rushed for 398 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards a carry. That was big given IU only averaged 3.4 yards a carry as a team. He also caught 24 passes for 274 yards and four TDs.
Compare that with Lucas, who was figuring out the college game as a true freshman while showing game-breaking potential -- 271 rushing yards, including a 71-yarder, 5.5 yards per carry, 16 catches for 82 yards, and a 28.1-yard kickoff return average with two touchdowns.
Even with a year of college strength training on his resume, Lucas still only lists at 5-9 and 166 pounds, estimate him at your own risk. He’s a big play waiting to happen with speed and knee-buckling moves.
It reflects a versatility that dominates the running back room.
“We can play different positions on the field -- catching, running,” Henderson says. “We’re all dynamic.
“Jaylin is a fast guy. He has great cuts. That’s something I want to bring to my game. I’m more of a physical guy. That’s something that he’s working on. We all have different things we can take from each other.”
Getting more physical, Lucas says, includes seeing how Henderson and the 5-11, 207-pound Turner power through would be tacklers.
“I’m looking at them going through their reps. See how they run through the O-line. I’m attacking the line of scrimmage every time and executing the right way.”
Turner, a former four-star high school recruit out of Georgia, rushed for 516 yards and seven touchdowns last season at Wake Forest. He also caught five passes for 39 yards and a TD. The previous season he rushed for 506 yards and five touchdowns.
“He’s good,” Henderson says. “He has good size. He kills it in the weight room. He has great cuts on the field. He’s doing a great job.”
All the running backs are, adds Lucas.
“This is the best running game I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”
Head coach Tom Allen wants to take full advantage.
“It’s the reality of getting your best players on the field,” he says. “We have some talented running backs.”
Utilizing all of them means everyone must accept a shared workload, and that playing time must be earned.
“We’re excited to be back out there,” Henderson says. “We’re competing every day. It’s important that we get the fundamentals down.
“Every room is competing. That’s what we want to see.”
A second year in Bell’s offense brings him comfort.
“I still have a lot to work on,” Henderson says. “Getting rid of those mistakes and taking the things I do well and make them better.”
Lucas figures to get plenty of slot receiver opportunities when he’s not at running back. He’s getting a heavy dose of that this spring.
“It’s going well,” he says. “I’m learning to look in at the (offensive) signals. Just get ready.”
A year of experience has helped.
“I’m starting to pick up new things fast,” Lucas says. “The transition is way better.”
Punt return is another way to get Lucas the ball. He’s fine with that after not doing it at all last season. He excelled at punt return in high school.
“Most of my touchdowns came from punt return,” he says. “I’m used to doing that. It’s normal. You see the ball and run it. Hit the hole.”
As far as the quarterback competition between Brendan Sorsby, Tayven Jackson and Broc Lowry, Henderson says, “They’re good. They’re competing. They are making great plays throughout practice. I’m excited to see what they will do.”
Adds Lucas: “It’s one of the best quarterback rooms I’ve ever seen. They all keep getting better.
“It took a minute (for the receivers) to get in sync with them, but we’re putting in the work.”