Stacks Aims For Increased Role In Buffs Backfield

BOULDER — The running back position has been a major area of attention for the Colorado Buffaloes over the past several seasons. But this spring, due to a variety of circumstances, depth at the position has been thin.

However, that has allowed young players such as sophomore Jayle Stacks to get their shot at making a case for a major role in the run game.

At 5-foot-11, 235 pounds, Stacks gives the Buffs a powerful back. So far this spring he has displayed speed in the run game, an ability to make catches, the skills to maul through defenders and a willingness to block big defenders.

"He's bought into being an 'F', which is our fullback, and being a tailback," said running backs coach Darian Hagan. "He has a role and I told him, 'You buy into your role, you'll be rewarded.' He's doing that right now."

If the Buffs utilize a fullback in their offensive look, Stacks could be their best option. But regardless of what look the Buffs go with, Stacks should have a major presence in their backfield.

He has done a solid job this spring of establishing himself into the mix with fellow backs Alex Fontenot and Deion Smith. Out of the three, Stacks was the most consistent performer in the first two scrimmages (Fontenot has been hampered by a soft-tissue injury).

"Jayle Stacks ran the ball well today for the second scrimmage in a row," head coach Karl Dorrell said after Saturday's scrimmage.

Stacks has seen limited playing time so far in his career, playing behind established veterans. Last season he had one carry for 4 yards and a reception for 3. He played in four games as a freshman in 2020 but did not register any statistics, and has appeared in 10 overall in his career.

But if there is any time for a player to put their name in the depth chart mix, it is during spring ball.

"We're looking for some of these guys that are not necessarily starters that are in the second group," Dorrell said after last Wednesday's practice. "We're trying to see if we can kind of close the gap between what the first group looks like and then the second group."

Stacks is an example of a player who can help not only close that gap, but become a top back.

In his four years at Cherry Creek High School, the Aurora native was a four-time All-Centennial League player with 411 carries for 2,997 yards and 39 touchdowns. Despite all this success, Stacks knows what it's like to have to grind his way to the top.

"Each year was a grind," Stacks said about his high school career. "I didn't start getting (scholarship) offers until the end of junior year."

But the grind is paying off this spring. He has his fair share of reps with Fontenot dealing with an injury and graduate transfer Ramon Jefferson not joining the team until June.

Saturday's Spring Showcase at Folsom Field will be an opportunity for him to display his talents to the fans.

"You just gotta wait your turn," Stacks said. "Everybody that's been in that running back room from Fontenot to J-Brew (Jarek Broussard) to Deion, those guys all waited. It's only respectful of me if I wait. Hopefully my time is now."

The Spring Showcase will start at 1 p.m. at Folsom Field. The event is open to the public and free.