2009 USC Football Position Preview – Running back

This is part two of an eight part series that takes a closer look at the individual positions for the upcoming 2009 USC Trojans football team.

Who’s Gone
The only departure at running back this year is Broderick Green, who transfered to Bobby Petrino’s Arkansas program last November. In 2008, Green was the Trojans’ fifth leading rusher, who amassed 173 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. But because of the Trojans’ overall depth in the backfield this season, many do not feel that the presence of Green will seriously be missed.

Who’s New

While he may not be technically new to the program, tailback Curtis McNeal will be eligible to play in 2009 for the first time after redshirting last season. The 5’8″ tailback, a redshirt freshman, impressed coaches during spring practices with his speed and elusiveness, drawing comparisons to All-Pac-10 star Jacquizz Rodgers. In addition to McNeal, the Trojans also welcome in freshman running back Simione Vehikite, a native of Hawaii, who was among the top twenty running backs in last year’s class according to Rivals.com. However, because of the depth at running back, it is questionable as to how often either McNeal or Vehikite will see any action. As a result, look for McNeal to primarily play on special teams and for Vehikite to redshirt in order to save his eligibility.

The Skinny

Despite lacking a clear-cut number one running back, the Trojans do feature one of the best backfields in the entire country, as the unit gained over 2,500 yards and averaged 5.0 yards a carry just one year ago. This year, they return their top 4 rushers in senior Stafon Johnson, junior Joe McKnight, junior C.J. Gable, and sophomore Marc Tyler.

However, new offensive coordinator John Morton and playcaller Jeremy Bates are expected to utilize a three-man rushing attack led by Johnson, who rushed for a team-high 705 yards and 9 touchdowns a year ago. The 5’11” Johnson, USC’s closest thing to a lead back, is one of the most versatile runners in all of college football, as he has the ability to run between the tackles and to break out a 50-yard run with 4.4 speed.

But Morton and Bates don’t expect to use the Los Angeles native exclusively or even 50% of the time this season, as they plan on featuring McKnight and Gable, who both started some of the games last season.

Gable finished the 2008 campaign second on the team with 107 carries; rushing for 617 yards as well. He provides a change of pace for the Trojans, as he is able to use his lengthy 6’2″ frame to slice through opposing defenses. The Sylmar native is also extremely valuable in the return game, as he ranks 11th in school history with 662 career yards.

While Johnson and Gable are considered the Trojans dependable backs, McKnight is viewed as the back with the most upside but yet the most inconsistency. Fighting through injuries for most of last season, McKnight did manage to finish second on the team in rushing with 659 yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries. Additionally, his 7.4 yards per carry average was the 4th highest in the entire country. He also excelled in the passing game, catching 21 passes for 193 yards and one touchdown. It is versatility and breakout away speed that makes him such a valuable commodity for the Trojans.

When the Trojans aren’t utilizing one of their three top backs, they will most likely turn to Allen Bradford or Marc Tyler to help shoulder the load. Tyler and Bradford both got some work in mop-up duty last year but may play a larger role in 2009. With the departure of Green, Bradford, a bruising runner, could be used as the team’s short yardage after a solid spring performance, and the coaching staff is optimistic about Tyler, who has continued to improved since enrolling at USC.

Once again, the Trojans anticipate on using their two fullbacks Stanley Havili (24 receptions, 324 receiving yards, 3 TDs) and D.J. Shoemate primarily in the passing game instead in short yardage situations. Their versality should be a big help to first-time starter at quarterback Aaron Corp.

X-Factor

When Joe McKnight arrived on the USC campus in the fall of 2007, many were quick to dub him as the next Reggie Bush, but in his first two years in Los Angeles, McKnight has yet to fully become the dominant player many expected him to become. In fairness to McKnight, his inconsistency and failure to meet expectations is due in large part to the several injuries he has sustained over his career. But if he can remain healthy, there is little doubt that he is talented enough to become one of the most exiting players in the country – much like Bush. A healthy McKnight gives the Trojan offense an added dimension, as the Lousiana native is capable of lining up at either running back or wide receiver. His breakout speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball and a constant fixation for defenses. With him in the lineup the Trojans will be tough to stop.

Final Forecast

There is no question that the running game should be just as good or even better than it was in 2008. With nearly everyone returning and with all the talent left over from last year’s bunch, the Trojans should be even more explosive. They have power runners in Stafon Johnson and Allen Bradford. They have dual-threat backs in Joe McKnight and Stanley Havili. They have great speed backs in C.J. Gable and Curtis McNeal. They have a great all-around back in Marc Tyler. Essentially, every kind of running back can be found on the Tojans’ roster. Throw in the fact that these were all five-star prospects, and the Trojans have the makings of a pretty talented unit.

Overall Position Grade: A-. It’s arguably the deepest and most talented running back group in all of college football.