Rutgers football has three good running backs, and they're all going to get carries once the season starts against Ohio on Aug. 28.
PISCATAWAY – Rutgers football went into training camp with three quality running backs battling to get the bulk of the carries.
Now camp is over. The season opener against Ohio is rapidly approaching.
So who won the job?
Well, they all did.
“They’re all going to play right now because they all deserve to,” coach Greg Schiano said. “No one separated themselves to the degree that you say, ‘You know what, that guy’s got to get the lion’s share of the carries.’”
For now, at least, Florida Atlantic transfer CJ Campell Jr., Antwan Raymond and Ja’shon Benjamin will split them.
It’s not a bad problem to have as the Scarlet Knights look to replace the production of Kyle Monangai, one of the most prolific running backs in program history who's now with the Chicago Bears.
“It’s never easy to get three backs running, but they have different skillsets a little bit,” Schiano said. “(Running backs) Coach (Damiere) Shaw is as good as I’ve been around at getting them in at the right time. He and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Kirk) Ciarrocca have a little thing going where they understand each other’s flow.”
Campell, who spent three years at Florida State before transferring to FAU, brings a different dimension because of his ability in the passing game – he rushed for 844 yards last season but he also caught 40 passes for 466 yards.
The 5-foot-11, 202-pound Raymond impressed as a true freshman last season, finishing second to Monangai with 457 yards on 100 carries with eight touchdowns.
Benjamin ran for 100 yards on 19 carries (5.3 yards per attempt).
While they’re all going to get carries, if anyone gets into a rhythm Schiano said he won’t avoid sticking with one back.
“That’ll be the deal too, if a guy gets hot he keeps going,” Schiano said. “Otherwise we’ll keep rotating them.”
It’s possible that once the season starts, someone could establish himself as the definitive lead back.
But having three talented, proven running backs is a good spot for the Scarlet Knights to be in – especially when it comes to a demanding, physical position like running back.
“Hopefully someone separates themselves from the pack as the season goes on,” Schiano said. “But I’ve had years where you just have three good running backs. That’s a tough position. When you have the ball you’re a target. It’s hard to keep a guy healthy all season when he’s getting hit like that.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football: Running back breakdown to replace Kyle Monangai
Category: General Sports
