RUNNING BACKS
Returning starter: JR Nick Wilson
Also returning: SO Orlando Bradford, RS JR Zach Green, RS FR Branden Leon
Newcomer(s): FR J.J. Taylor
Burning question: To what extent will the UA embrace the tailback-by-committee approach this season?
In sort of the same way he views his quarterbacks, Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez believes he has two starting-caliber players at running back: Wilson and Bradford.
Unless RichRod is planning to make frequent use of an unconventional two-RB formation, they both can’t start. But both can play, and both absolutely should.
Whether they do – and whether the workload is divvied up as it should be – remains to be seen. I addressed that topic earlier this offseason, and it’s something I’ll monitor throughout the 2016 campaign.
Wilson, coming off an injury-shortened 2015 season, is determined to prove the injury-prone label he has acquired is a misnomer. But that shouldn’t come at the expense of common sense.
Barring injuries to others, Wilson’s workload shouldn’t be excessive. Even if healthy, it’s possible he won’t lead the Wildcats in carries. Bradford might be that good.
A reasonable rationing might look something like this: 50 percent for Wilson, 40 for Bradford and 10 for Taylor.
The freshman has become something of a forgotten man in the UA’s 2016 class with so much focus on QB Khalil Tate, OL Michael Eletise and the various defenders who could be tapped to play – or even start – as early as Week 1. Taylor shouldn’t be overlooked.
Taylor rushed for 2,149 yards and 41 touchdowns as a senior at Centennial High in Compton, California. At 5-foot-7, Taylor doesn’t look the part of a bell-cow back, although he could develop into one in time. For now, his quickness and pass-catching ability complement what the other two backs provide. It’s easy to envision Taylor carving out a meaningful role this year.
I fully expect the UA staff to deploy multiple running backs this season – out of choice, not necessity. The Wildcats have at least two highly capable backs, maybe three. The coaches will recognize that and take advantage of it. Or at least they should.
