David Cutcliffe has shown a penchant for using a deep running back rotation over the past five years. If the trend continues in 2017, some youngsters are going to need to step up and produce because rising senior Shaun Wilson is the only experienced running back on the roster. Fortunately, Coach Cutcliffe has also demonstrated a willingness to play young running backs.
Before discussing this coming season's running back situation, a look back is in order.
Desmond Scott, Juwan Thompson, Josh Snead, Jela Duncan, Shaquille Powell and Shaun Wilson all played as true freshmen. However, true freshmen Brittain Brown and Elijah Deveaux did not see action in 2016.
In 2013, four running backs logged more than 60 rushing attempts each. In 2012, 2014 and 2015, three running backs logged more than 60 rushing attempts each. The exception is last season when the rotation was down to two running backs (Wilson and Jela Duncan) with more than 60 attempts. Duke clearly likes to spread carries amongst at least three running backs.
The point is not that Duke utilizes three or four running backs; the point is Duke successfully utilizes three or four running backs. In 2013, the four-back rotation gained 1,945 yards on 346 attempts for 5.6 yards per carry. In 2014, the three-back rotation gained 1,643 yards on 293 attempts for 5.6 yards per carry. In 2015, the three running back rotation gained 1,458 on 276 attempts for 5.3 yards per carry.
The rushing statistics here exclude rushing yards gained by quarterbacks. The numbers include only running backs with more than 60 attempts on the season.
So why the look back? Because there are multiple young running backs on the roster with the potential to make an impact in 2017. With high upside potential waiting in the wings, expect Duke to rotate three or four running backs this fall.
There are five guys who could compete to augment Wilson. More on those five guys in a bit but let's look at Wilson first.
If you had to describe Wilson with one word, explosive is the choice. He has scored seven touchdowns on plays covering more than 50 yards: a 98 yard kick-off return against Indiana; a 96 yard kick-off return against Notre Dame; an 89 yard reception against NCCU; an 85 yard run from scrimmage against Indiana; a 69 yard run from scrimmage against Kansas; a 68 yard run from scrimmage against Kansas; and a 58 yard run from scrimmage against Virginia Tech.
Wilson has also proven to be a high volume running back. He had double digit rushing attempts in seven of 12 games last season: 24 attempts for 107 yards against North Carolina; 21 attempts for 76 yards against Virginia Tech; 18 attempts for 37 yards against Louisville; 16 attempts for 55 yards against Virginia; 14 attempts for 50 yards against Army; 13 attempts for 66 yards against Notre Dame; and, 10 attempts for 109 yards against Georgia Tech.
Versatile is another word that applies to Wilson. He is a dangerous kick returner, can catch the ball as a receiver coming out of the backfield, he has 45 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns so far in his career, and is an explosive running back with breakaway speed. With Wilson expected to be the full time kick returner as a senior, his All Purpose Yards statistic will be exciting to track.
Finally, Wilson demonstrated a strong work ethic this past spring. He was named co-most improved offensive player, along with receiver Aaron Young, at the end of Spring Practice.
Wilson has worked hard at Duke and is now in position to be the starter and featured back as a senior.
On to the other five youngsters.
- Brittain Brown (6'1" 200) is a redshirt freshmen who was a four star recruit according to ESPN. Most fans expected Brown to play last year as a true freshman, especially after Jela Duncan injured his Achilles tendon in late October, but Coach Cutcliffe decided not to burn his redshirt. With a 4.67 40 yard dash, Brown has both the size and speed to run between the tackles in Duke's read option offense.
- Elijah Deveaux (6'0" 210) is a redshirt freshman who was a three star recruit per ESPN. He played his high school ball for Charlotte Christian School.
- Deon Jackson (6'0" 203) is an incoming freshman who was a three star recruit by ESPN’s reckoning. Notre Dame made a late push to flip Jackson to South Bend before National Signing Day this past February. Jackson's 40 yard dash time is 4.64 so he is another back with both size and speed.
- Marvin Hubbard (5'8" 176) is a speedster with a 4.42 40 yard dash time. He is an incoming freshman who ESPN pegged as a three star recruit.
- Joshua Blackwell (5'11" 175) is an incoming freshman who was a three star recruit, again according to ESPN. There has been some speculation Blackwell could be used as a cornerback so it is a wait and see situation.
With the talent and potential talent on the roster, expect Duke to use a three or four running back rotation in 2017. Wilson will be the starter and featured running back but two or three of the younger running backs are going emerge.
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