Unit Analysis: Running Backs

The Bulls have a solid group of running backs this season that will try to carry the rushing burden and take the pressure off of B.J. Daniels and his legs.  USF has a solid running back in Demetris Murray, but there are questions remaining with the depth behind him on the roster.  Let's take a look at the backfield (including the fullbacks).

Depth chart:

Running back:

Demetris Murray (5-9 191-pounds); Lindsey Lamar (5-9 164-pounds); Marcus Shaw (5-9 191-pounds) or Bradley Battles (5-9 206-pounds)

Fullback:

Chris Breit (5-11 219-pounds)

Who else is on the roster:  The Bulls have a few more running backs on the roster that could make an impact this season. Willie Davis (5-9 203-pounds) and Miles Bennett (5-11 199-pounds) are both are on the roster and will have a chance to contribute. 

At fullback, Spencer Cavalieri (6-2 239-pounds), Tye Turner (6-3 255-pounds - also listed as a possible tight end), and Justin Wilcox (6-0 212-pounds).  While the fullback is not a traditional feature for the Bulls offense, they can be used in goal-line situations or in power running plays.

What the team lost: The Bulls lost Darrell Scott from their backfield that decided to opt out early to the NFL. 

Incoming 2012 recruits: The Bulls added one running back in the 2012 recruiting class, JUCO star Michael Pierre (5-11 211-pounds) who will enroll this summer and will participate in the fall. 

Strength of the unit: The Bulls will be relying on Murray this season to carry the burden of the run game.  Murray has proven to be a powerful runner with speed to break to the outside and also a passing threat in the game.  Behind him the Bulls have tremendous speed with Lamar and Shaw that can change the game with their elite speed.  Pierre should be a solid running back option, Davis has looked impressive so far (has added weight), and Bradley has the talent to be a game changer as well.

Weakness of the unit: With Scott leaving early, it leaves the Bulls with only one experienced running back in Murray.  The team is hoping he can carry the load, but he has been a back-up his entire career.  There is a lot riding on his legs this season, so the Bulls need him to produce and stay healthy.  Behind him, the Bulls have talented runners, but not a lot of power.  Lamar is a track star, but he can't take a lot of punishment between the tackles.  Shaw has shown his speed, but has yet to have a break out season.  Battles, once a 4-star recruit, has not lived up to the hype despite the talent.  No one is sure what Pierre will bring or what Davis or Bennett can do this season, so while Murray is solid, behind him are question marks.

Overall Assessment: B.  The grade is a little low, but the concerns are very real at this point.  A lot is riding on Murray this season and the coaching staff is hoping that the speed running backs behind him will come into their own and become game changers.  Their speed is elite, but can they break free or get the tough yards up the middle, that has yet to be decided.