The 2011 USF Primer: Running Backs

Demetris Murray is the leading returning running back for the Bulls this season.

As the primer begins to wrap up, we take a look at the running back position. The Bulls began to rely on the running backs more last season, taking the ball out of the hands of B.J. Daniels. Mo Plancher did a solid job and Demetris Murray helped carry the load. This season, the Bulls have new faces and a season under them, making most fans very optimistic about the running game entering the 2011 season. [keep reading]

Running Backs

Projected Starter: Demetris Murray returns as the most experienced running back for the Bulls. The redshirt junior carried the ball 120 times for 573 yards, scoring 4 touchdowns. Murray is the top returning rusher with Moise Plancher, who lead the team with 176 carries for 820 yards, graduates. Murray has a nice combination of both power and speed, allowing him to run between the tackles, but also break to the outside for long gains. He is also a threat out of the backfield in the passing game, making 11 receptions for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. Murray will get a majority of the carries this season as the Bulls turn more to a solid running game to lead the offense.

Projected Top Reserves: Murray is the top returning runner for the Bulls, but USF has two talented transfer players that joined the last time and sat out the season (due to NCAA transfer rules) and are poised to make a major impact this season.

Darrell Scott, the 6-1 230-pound junior running back joined the Bulls last year after transferring from Colorado. The former Ventura, California tailback is a bruising runner that can get yards by running hard between the tackles and will get a lot of carries this season. He emerged as the top back up running back behind Murray this Spring. He did sit out for a season, but is in shape and will make an impact. The Bulls also got another transfer, this time from Auburn University. Running back Dontae Aycock, 5-9 224-pounds, is another top prospect that returns to his home of Tampa. He had knee surgery last season and sits behind Scott on the depth chart, but will get plenty of carries this season due to his physical running style. Sophomore running back Marcus Shaw, weighing at 5-9 187-pounds, is a smaller, faster running back which can change the pace of a game. He had 12 carries for 108 yards last season and 1 touchdown before missing most of the season due to academic issues. He missed the majority of the Spring with a broken thumb, but will be healthy coming into the Fall. Keep an eye on sophomore Bradley Battles, the 5-8 203-pound runner is back after dealing with a torn ACL he suffered in December. He had He had 12 carries for 52 yards, he brings a violent running style and has some speed. He didn’t play this Spring, but should be available this Fall. Incoming freshman Willie Davis, the 5’11” 190-pound star from Stone Mountain, Georgia will also figure into the mix this season or may redshirt. Finally J.J. Peterson, the 5-10 191-pound senior is a walk-on that is working hard this Spring and will be a valuable member of both the scout team and may get a chance on special teams at some point.

The Bulls have depth issues at fullback as Richard Kelly graduates. Special teams standout Armando Sanchez, the 5-11 218-pound junior has been a great special teams player and is listed as a linebacker, but made the change to fullback. Behind him is Chris Breit, the 5-10 225-pound reserve linebacker will get some time at fullback as well.

Watch Out For: More Explosive Running Game. In year two under offensive coordinator Todd Fitch, the Bulls continue to use a more north and south running game, moving away from the spread option. Murray can carry the load, but Scott and Aycock join the team with huge expectations and tons of talent. The Bulls also have speed with Shaw and with incoming freshman Willie Davis (5-10 195-pounds).

Weakness: Lack of Experience. Although Murray returns as a veteran runner, there is not much experience behind him. Both Scott and Aycock haven’t played in over a year, there is some question if they will be ready to carry the load and help create a dynamic running game for the Bulls and can Shaw stay healthy and help give the offense another dimension.

Outlook: The running game of the Bulls should be a lot more consistent and explosive this season with tons of talent and depth entering the year. Murray is a solid runner and the talent behind him gives the offense more weapons and strength than last season.

Rating: 8.0