But when it comes to talking about their results from a season ago, when they finished 81st in the nation in rushing yards, the running backs become a lot more serious.
The trio of T.J. Logan, Elijah Hood and Romar Morris ran the ball 251 times for just 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014. Meanwhile, quarterback Marquise Williams led the team with 788 yards on the ground and 13 scores on a team-high 193 carries.
“Personally, as a running back, I would hate that,” said Hood in regards to a quarterback leading the team in rushing again.
The amount of carries Williams had in 2014 took their toll, as the quarterback underwent surgery this past offseason to repair a partially torn labrum in his left hip. And in order to keep Williams healthy in 2015, the running backs know they carry a larger burden.
“We’re going to need (Williams) bad during the season,” said Logan, a junior. “We need to keep him safe in the pocket the best we can.”
Although Logan led the running back trio in carries in 2014, it is Hood — the former four star recruit who had offers from Clemson and Ohio State among several others — who has stood out this preseason and is competing for the starting title.
“I think there’s a lot of competition,” said co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer. “You have a bevy of backs, so whoever wins that position will obviously get more carries.”
Coach Larry Fedora said there is a notable size, strength and running style difference between Logan and Hood.