Position Preview: Buffs Have Plenty Of Options At Running Back

BOULDER — When discussing the prospects for Colorado's running backs this season, one thing must be quickly made clear:

The Buffaloes will not "replace" Phillip Lindsay. Not, at least with one back. The shoes that one year ago accounted for 94 percent of the team's rushing production by running backs (1,474 of 1,562 yards) and all 14 rushing touchdowns by running backs won't be filled by one player.

But, the Buffs do believe they can be at least as productive — and hopefully more so — than they were a year ago in the running game.

"All four of our guys make up one Phillip Lindsay," said CU running backs coach Darian Hagan after a recent practice. "We just want to have guys in there who can move the ball on the ground, pass block, catch passes and do everything we ask them to do."

While Lindsay — who now plies his craft for the Denver Broncos — was no doubt a tremendous presence for the Buffs a year ago, CU's rushing game overall was not as effective as it might have been. Colorado averaged just 3.8 yards per carry on the ground last season and finished eighth in the Pac-12 in rushing yards per game (157.2).

The Buffs believe they have the players to improve those numbers, particularly the yards per rush. If they can accomplish that, it may very well be the work of three or four backs instead of just one.

Hagan believes he has four capable backs in his stable — senior Kyle Evans, graduate transfer Travon McMillian, junior Beau Bisharat and redshirt freshman Alex Fontenot (senior Donovan Lee has been working at wide receiver). Combined, they give Colorado everything the Buffs need from a running back.

"I see really good things from Kyle, Travon, Beau, Alex — those four guys have really picked it up in the last week and are doing some really good things," Hagan said. "All those guys can do everything that we want our running backs to do in our offense."

When the Buffs released their depth chart for Friday's season opener against Colorado State in Denver (7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network), Evans and McMillian were listed as co-No. 1 with Bisharat and Fontenot as co-No. 2.

"It's the old saying, thunder and lightning — that's what Kyle and Travon bring," Hagai said. "But I have confidence in all our guys. Usually when you bring your backup in, you have a little dropoff. But with these guys, I don't worry about who's in there. All four of them can go in there and win a ballgame and be productive for us."

Among the returning backs, Bisharat was the leading rusher last season with 61 yards on 21 carries. But Evans — who was still recovering last season from a dislocated hip — showed his potential in 2016 with 346 yards and three touchdowns on 84 attempts while McMillian ran for 2,153 yards and 16 touchdowns in three years at Virginia Tech before transferring to Colorado.

Evans is a relatively diminutive (5-foot-7, 180 pounds) but extremely powerful back who is simply hard for defenders to tackle inside because he presents such a small target. McMillian (6-0, 210 pounds) and Bisharat (6-2, 225) offer a good blend of speed and power while Fontenot is the fastest of the group and offers perhaps the biggest home run threat.

"Beau and Travon give us a big back that we haven't had the luxury of having in the past," Hagan said. "Kyle can be in the game and we can wear people out, and Beau and Travon are bigger guys who can take a pounding."

Evans and McMillian will likely get the call early when CU works out of a one-back set while Bisharat can play in the one- or two-back sets and can pick up tough yards inside in short-yardage situations.

"I wouldn't be surprised if all four are out there at some point against CSU," Hagain said. "But we'll see three for sure. Beau and Travon can hammer it. Kyle has some wiggle to him and Alex presents a home run threat. I think all four of them bring something to the table that we can utilize."

WHO'S BACK: Senior Kyle Evans, junior Beau Bisharat, sophomore Chase Sanders, redshirt freshman Alex Fontenot.

WHO'S NEW: Senior (graduate transfer) Travon McMillian; freshmen Deion Smith, Jarek Broussard, Noa Lukela.

DEPTH CHART: Evans OR McMillian; Bisharat OR Fontenot; Smith.

WHAT'S IN STORE: The Buffs have all the look of a running back by committee, at least early, with Evans and McMillian both likely to see time in CU's one-back set. The two offer a nice one-two punch, and Bisharat adds another dimension with the ability to go inside or outside. Fontenot has no experience at the D-1 level, but offers a home run threat. It won't be a surprise to see the Buffs look for someone with the hot hand and then ride that back.

STAT TO REMEMBER: While Lindsay was the workhorse and put up excellent numbers, the Buffs still averaged just 3.8 yards per carry a year ago (granted, a number affected by quarterback sacks). CU has to improve that mark and make opposing defenses respect the run game.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu