Colorado University Athletics
Go-Go Offense Has Colorado Running Backs Ready to Eat
March 10, 2026 | Football
BOULDER — Colorado's running back coach Johnnie Mack's path to Colorado has never been about shortcuts. It has been about patience, faith and preparation.
Now leading the Buffaloes running backs room, Mack known affectionately around the facility as J Mac believes the timing is exactly right.
"This was a favor from God," Mack said. "I'm excited to be here."
After spending last season learning under Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, Mack says the experience helped prepare him for the opportunity now in front of him.
Much of J Mac's excitement centers around Colorado's new offensive system under coordinator Brennan Marion. The Go-Go offense emphasizes two running backs on the field and multiple ways to create mismatches.
For a running backs coach, the appeal is obvious.
"If you're not excited for this, I don't know what else to tell you," Mack said with a laugh. "This Go-Go offense is built for running backs."
The scheme allows Colorado to use multiple backs in different roles, whether running the ball, catching passes out of the backfield or creating misdirection in the run game.
"I've been watching Coach Marion from afar and always loved his offense," Mack said. "I always thought if I had the opportunity to coach in that offense, it would be pretty fun. Look at what happened."
Just as important, the system allows multiple players to contribute.
"It's enough for everybody to eat," he said. "You just have to do your job. Be selfless. When your number is called, you have to make the play."
A Versatile Running Back Room
Colorado's running back group brings a mix of experience and skill sets.
Newcomers Damian Henderson and JaQuail Smith both bring familiarity with the offense and valuable experience having previously played for Coach Marion at Sacramento State.
"Damian is a power back, but he can make you miss in traffic," Mack said. "JaQuail is a home run hitter. At any moment he can take it the distance."
The rest of the room offers versatility as well.
"DT (DeKalon Taylor) is all purpose. He can do everything," Mack said. "Miicah Welch is that little bowling ball and Richard Young has been waiting on his opportunity. At one point he was the number one back in the nation."
The group has also made a physical statement during offseason training.
"Our guys have been working their tail off all offseason," he said. "Pound for pound we're probably some of the strongest guys in the weight room."
Standards Set in the Room
For Mack, talent alone will not determine who sees the field.
He has made the expectations clear from the start.
"Show up every day in practice," he said. "We cannot take days off. I need 110 percent every day."
One emphasis stands above the rest: protecting the quarterback.
"Pass protection has to be bigger than running the ball to me," he said. "We have to protect our quarterback at all costs."
That mindset shows up in players like DT, who Mack says sets the tone for the room.
"He is a student of the game," Mack said. "I have to tell him to go home sometimes. He will stay up here all day trying to learn."
Progress Through Spring
As with any new system, the learning curve has been steep.
"We just started learning this offense in January," Mack said. "There is a lot to study."
Spring practice has reflected that process. The Buffaloes opened with strong energy before hitting the natural wall that often comes with installing a new scheme.
Practice started fast, but Mack said the group is learning how to sustain that intensity.
"There are going to be ups and downs," he said. "The key is stacking good practices every day."
Even with the challenges, he likes what he sees.
"For us to be where we are right now in spring ball, I'm pretty impressed."
Looking Ahead
Mack believes the offense will allow his players to maximize their strengths while creating opportunities across the entire position group.
"We're going to utilize our guys and play to their abilities," he said.
And after a journey defined by patience and faith, he is ready for the moment.
"We're excited," Mack said. "And I think the fans should be excited too."
Spring practice has offered an early look at how the running backs are adjusting to the new system.
The session began with strong energy as the offense worked through installation periods and situational drills. Early in practice, the running backs showed physicality and explosiveness, particularly during inside run and team segments.
But like many spring practices during a major offensive transition, the pace eventually slowed.
After a fast start, the group hit a wall midway through the session as the volume of the playbook and the tempo of practice began to test their focus and conditioning.
Mack was not surprised.
"That's part of spring ball," he said. "You're installing a lot, you're asking guys to process quickly, and the tempo is high."
The emphasis, he said, is learning how to push through those moments while maintaining execution.
"Don't be satisfied with one good play or one good practice," J Mac said. "We have to stack good days."
The running backs continued to show flashes throughout the practice. Several backs found creases during team periods, while the group also worked through pass protection responsibilities that remain a major emphasis in the room.
With Colorado continuing to install Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense, every practice is another step in mastering the system.
"We just started learning this offense in January," Mack said. "There's a lot to study, but the guys are doing a great job."
Even with the expected growing pains, Mack believes the group is trending in the right direction as spring continues.
"For us to be where we are right now, I'm pretty impressed," he said.
Colorado continues spring practices tomorrow as the Buffs prepare for the annual Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field.
Fans wanting to get a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team can claim tickets now for the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day on April 11.
Football season tickets are on sale now and fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six exciting games at iconic Folsom Field this fall. Be a part of the pageantry and excitement of one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country by getting your tickets today!
Now leading the Buffaloes running backs room, Mack known affectionately around the facility as J Mac believes the timing is exactly right.
"This was a favor from God," Mack said. "I'm excited to be here."
After spending last season learning under Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, Mack says the experience helped prepare him for the opportunity now in front of him.
"It was a blessing in disguise," he said. "I've been working for a long time to get this opportunity. I always felt like I was ready, but it was God's timing."
When head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders called, the moment felt inevitable.
"I know I'm ready," Mack said. "I know I'm prepared for it."
Built for the Go-Go OffenseMuch of J Mac's excitement centers around Colorado's new offensive system under coordinator Brennan Marion. The Go-Go offense emphasizes two running backs on the field and multiple ways to create mismatches.
For a running backs coach, the appeal is obvious.
"If you're not excited for this, I don't know what else to tell you," Mack said with a laugh. "This Go-Go offense is built for running backs."
The scheme allows Colorado to use multiple backs in different roles, whether running the ball, catching passes out of the backfield or creating misdirection in the run game.
"I've been watching Coach Marion from afar and always loved his offense," Mack said. "I always thought if I had the opportunity to coach in that offense, it would be pretty fun. Look at what happened."
Just as important, the system allows multiple players to contribute.
"It's enough for everybody to eat," he said. "You just have to do your job. Be selfless. When your number is called, you have to make the play."
A Versatile Running Back Room
Colorado's running back group brings a mix of experience and skill sets.
Newcomers Damian Henderson and JaQuail Smith both bring familiarity with the offense and valuable experience having previously played for Coach Marion at Sacramento State.
"Damian is a power back, but he can make you miss in traffic," Mack said. "JaQuail is a home run hitter. At any moment he can take it the distance."
The rest of the room offers versatility as well.
"DT (DeKalon Taylor) is all purpose. He can do everything," Mack said. "Miicah Welch is that little bowling ball and Richard Young has been waiting on his opportunity. At one point he was the number one back in the nation."
The group has also made a physical statement during offseason training.
"Our guys have been working their tail off all offseason," he said. "Pound for pound we're probably some of the strongest guys in the weight room."
Standards Set in the Room
For Mack, talent alone will not determine who sees the field.
He has made the expectations clear from the start.
"Show up every day in practice," he said. "We cannot take days off. I need 110 percent every day."
One emphasis stands above the rest: protecting the quarterback.
"Pass protection has to be bigger than running the ball to me," he said. "We have to protect our quarterback at all costs."
That mindset shows up in players like DT, who Mack says sets the tone for the room.
"He is a student of the game," Mack said. "I have to tell him to go home sometimes. He will stay up here all day trying to learn."
Progress Through Spring
As with any new system, the learning curve has been steep.
"We just started learning this offense in January," Mack said. "There is a lot to study."
Spring practice has reflected that process. The Buffaloes opened with strong energy before hitting the natural wall that often comes with installing a new scheme.
Practice started fast, but Mack said the group is learning how to sustain that intensity.
"There are going to be ups and downs," he said. "The key is stacking good practices every day."
Even with the challenges, he likes what he sees.
"For us to be where we are right now in spring ball, I'm pretty impressed."
Looking Ahead
Mack believes the offense will allow his players to maximize their strengths while creating opportunities across the entire position group.
"We're going to utilize our guys and play to their abilities," he said.
And after a journey defined by patience and faith, he is ready for the moment.
"We're excited," Mack said. "And I think the fans should be excited too."
Spring practice has offered an early look at how the running backs are adjusting to the new system.
The session began with strong energy as the offense worked through installation periods and situational drills. Early in practice, the running backs showed physicality and explosiveness, particularly during inside run and team segments.
But like many spring practices during a major offensive transition, the pace eventually slowed.
After a fast start, the group hit a wall midway through the session as the volume of the playbook and the tempo of practice began to test their focus and conditioning.
Mack was not surprised.
"That's part of spring ball," he said. "You're installing a lot, you're asking guys to process quickly, and the tempo is high."
The emphasis, he said, is learning how to push through those moments while maintaining execution.
"Don't be satisfied with one good play or one good practice," J Mac said. "We have to stack good days."
The running backs continued to show flashes throughout the practice. Several backs found creases during team periods, while the group also worked through pass protection responsibilities that remain a major emphasis in the room.
With Colorado continuing to install Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense, every practice is another step in mastering the system.
"We just started learning this offense in January," Mack said. "There's a lot to study, but the guys are doing a great job."
Even with the expected growing pains, Mack believes the group is trending in the right direction as spring continues.
"For us to be where we are right now, I'm pretty impressed," he said.
Colorado continues spring practices tomorrow as the Buffs prepare for the annual Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field.
Fans wanting to get a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team can claim tickets now for the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day on April 11.
Football season tickets are on sale now and fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six exciting games at iconic Folsom Field this fall. Be a part of the pageantry and excitement of one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country by getting your tickets today!
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