Purdue football position breakdown: More threats give running game chance to shine
WEST LAFAYETTE – This is the fourth in a series breaking down each Purdue position group heading into the 2022 season.
RUNNING BACK
Familiar faces
King Doerue (Sr., 135-533 yards, 2 TDs); Dylan Downing (Jr., 44-178 yards, 1 TD), Caleb Lahey (RS-sophomore)
New faces
Tyrone Tracy (RS-senior); Kobe Lewis (RS-junior), Kentrell Marks (Fr.), Devin Mockobee (RS-freshman)
The skinny
During the last few seasons, the running back room has been thin but the addition of Tracy, a part-time receiver, and part-time running back, gives assistant coach Chris Barclay a versatile weapon. Lewis, a transfer from Central Michigan, provides speed and could develop into a home-run threat for the ground attack. Certainly, there are more options than in previous seasons, a sign the running game will push forward. It’s important to remember how to judge Purdue’s running game. It’s not necessarily the number of yards but how often and when the Boilermakers are able to convert short-yardage situations to keep drives alive and close out games.
3 questions
Who’s the No. 1 back? Doerue, who has 1,045 career yards, is likely the Game 1 starter but up to five backs could see action.
How will Tracy be used? Look for Jeff Brohm to utilize the Indianapolis native and Iowa transfer in space to feature his athletic ability. Jet sweeps and getting Tracy out on the edge need to produce big plays.
Will the running game improve in the red zone? The offense did come to a halt inside the opponents’ 20-yard line during the early part of last season because the ground game stalled. Gaining yards on the ground in the red zone needs to improve.
What to like
Plenty of options at Brohm’s disposal to jumpstart the ground game. There’s also versatility as no two backs are the same, offering a variety of choices to threaten the defense with. The Boilermakers won’t lean on one running back unless Doerue, Downing, or Tracy establish a rhythm in carrying the ball. The depth should keep everyone fresh for late-game situations.
Biggest concern
The ability to convert short yardage situations remains the No. 1 priority. Purdue isn’t going to average 200 yards on the ground – and probably not even 150 – since the emphasis is on the pass. But the Boilermakers need to pick up first downs to keep drives alive and potentially close out games in the second half. Purdue also doesn’t have an established big-play back that scares a defense.
By the number
15: Combined rushing plays of 20 yards or more produced by a running back in the last three seasons.
Quote
“I finally feel like I got a full stable now of different guys and capable bodies who can be effective in various ways. We’re going to do a good job from a personal standpoint of getting the best guys on the field and give us a good chance to be successful.”
-Barclay
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier and USA Today Network. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football position breakdown: More running back threats in 2022
