Editor’s Note: This is the second part in an eight-part series previewing each position heading into 2012.
While Coach Les Miles might not have any problem deciding whose name will sit atop the quarterbacks depth chart, he may face a dilemma narrowing his abundant list of running backs.
The Tigers return four running backs who scored at least seven touchdowns last season including juniors Spencer Ware, Michael Ford and Alfred Blue and sophomore Kenny Hilliard.
The Tigers also return sophomore wide receiver and running back hybrid Terrance Magee who saw limited action for a committee that rushed for almost 3,000 yards in 2011.
With the addition of four-star running back Jeremy Hill, the 2012 running back corps could be one of the deepest in LSU history.
Miles said his vision for the group this season is to select two guys to establish the running game and to save the others for late game situations, rather than naming one do-it-all starter.
If two primary backs are what Miles desires, he won’t have any trouble picking a productive back. Ware, Ford, Blue and Hilliard all averaged at least four yards per carry last season.
With such a crowded backfield and only so many plays in a game, keeping everyone happy might be a struggle, but Miles said the guys have bought into the system.
“When we win, we all win. And victory is the first goal,” Miles said. “I think our running backs understand that.”
Hilliard reiterated his coach’s thoughts, saying the depth and competition in practice is welcomed among the group.
“The running back group is deep, but we really come out and push each other. Whoever is in the game, we push them to do well,” Hilliard said. “The carries are limited, but we are not putting that wear and tear on our bodies.”
Early signs point to Ford and Ware, who each gained more than 700 yards last season, retaining their roles as the primary backs.
The 6-foot, 231-pound Hilliard also looks to return to his primary role as the bruising goal-line back. Meanwhile, Hill and Blue could be the “fresh legs” Miles is looking for at the end of games.
Offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa praised the group’s performance in late game situations last season.
“There wasn’t a game [last season] where we weren’t better in the second half because you wear people down,” Studrawa said. “The backs keep coming at you, and you get tired of tackling.”
Despite the Tigers’ success running between the tackles last season, Studrawa said he wants to mix in more variety this season.
“We were really good at running up the middle, but we want to add some new things like misdirection or go outside,” Studrawa said.
Zach Mettenberger may be garnering attention to a potentially revamped Tiger passing attack, but with proven running backs galore, the rushing attack won’t be ignored.
