Indiana looks to utilize versatile running back room ‘as much as possible’

Coming out of the 2022 season there were a lot of questions surrounding the Indiana football program. Most notably, what was this staff going to do to improve the offense and offensive line.

Despite a rushing attack last year that was ranked 13th in the league in yards per game (110.8) and 12th in yards per carry (3.4), the talent and more importantly, versatility, is returning.

Indiana’s trio of running backs is led by All-American Jaylin Lucas. Then returning is Josh Henderson and newcomer, Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner.

Lucas, however, is the most dynamic and versatile of the group. Last year he had 271 yards on the ground, 82 receiving yards and 591 kick return yards. In total, he had four touchdowns — including two kick returns.

“It’s the reality of getting your best players on the field and we’ve got some talented running backs,” IU head coach Tom Allen said on Thursday. “Jaylin has proven he can do a lot of special things with the ball in his hands, especially in space, so we want to maximize that.

“So it’ll look a little different in some ways, and just try and find creative ways to get him the football, and that’s going to be the theme, I think, moving forward in a lot of different areas.”

Last year, Indiana’s three running backs were all ranked in the top eight of Indiana’s pass catchers — including Henderson having the third most receiving yards on the roster (274).

Their ability as pass catchers is a critical part of the offense that needs to be included in each and every game.

But, if there is no positive ground attack, then everything else is a moot point. The offensive line play has been one of the major storylines this offseason and in order for Indiana to get back to putting an effective and efficient offense on the field, it starts and ends with that group.

“I’ve been really encouraged by that group,” Allen said of new offensive line coach Bob Bostad. “He’s (Bostad) is doing a great job with them. I love the drill work. I love the attention to detail. I love the intensity and toughness that he’s created with our guys. He’s a no-nonsense guy. I’m expecting improvement in that area.”

Indiana has been in the bottom three of the Big Ten in total rushing offense in each of the last two years. The two years prior, it was in the top four of the league. There’s no coincidence with the records over those four years as well.

So, as the running backs go — so will the offense. And this season needs to revolve around the trio in the backfield.

“I think those guys in that backfield, and add Christian Turner to that group, he has a chance to be a special player as well. So I’m excited about that running back room,” Allen said. “We have a bunch of guys in there that can run really hard so we want to get them on the field as much as possible.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana Football Notebook: Notes and quotes about spring QB play

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