Miami currently has one pure running back committed with Alex Collins. While some believe Ray Lewis III is also a running back, I project him on the defensive side of the ball. Collins has been rumored to be looking around a little bit, especially at Wisconsin. He will most likely wind up in the class, but the coaches have to keep their options open just in case. With 2012 signee Danny Dillard still not enrolled in school, that may be another reason the coaches have to search for another back.
Looking at the current roster, Senior Mike James, Junior Eduardo Clements, and Freshman Duke Johnson are the only running backs on scholarship. Sophomore Dallas Crawford is also in the picture, but will be utilized in the slot as well. That leaves 2-3 scholarship running backs on the roster for the 2013 season depending on if Collins sticks. Even if he does stay committed, there have been rumblings about possible grades issues, so that is just another incentive for the staff to be on the lookout.
Possible Options
AJ Turman- A big back from Orlando, Turman fits the mold of a workhorse back. He's a downhill runner with deceptive speed. Turman is supposed to visit Coral gables within the next few weeks.
TJ Johnson- A versatile threat offensively, Johnson is not necessarily a true running back. He is on the smaller side at 5'7, 160, but is explosive and quick. I'm not sure that he is the type of back that Miami is looking to pair with Duke in the future, but his talent can't be ignored. West Virginia is hot on his trail.
Tarean Folston- Hailing from Cocoa Beach, Folston is a balanced back who has excelled in the running attack at Cocoa High School. He has the ability to carry the load. Camped at Miami in early June, but USF is in the picture big time. Don't think his offer is committable at the moment.
Tony Pittman- The first out of state name on the list (Hampton, Virginia), Pittman recently claimed he received a Miami offer. He is a name that has recently gained steam on the recruiting trail. At 5'11, 200 he seems like another back who is more of a workhorse. He will be somebody to monitor throughout his senior season.
Derrick Henry- The former UGA commit is one of the biggest prospects in the state of Florida and the entire country. He is a physical specimen (6'3, 235), which is why most have projected that he is better suited at a position other than running back. The staff has recently been picking up conversations with him and he may be a prospect who the coaches decide to bring in at the position he wants to play, and then if it doesn't work out, they can move him later.
Running back is a position where names often emerge out of nowhere, look at Danny Dillard from last year for example. I would not be surprised to see this happen again this year.
Looking at the current roster, Senior Mike James, Junior Eduardo Clements, and Freshman Duke Johnson are the only running backs on scholarship. Sophomore Dallas Crawford is also in the picture, but will be utilized in the slot as well. That leaves 2-3 scholarship running backs on the roster for the 2013 season depending on if Collins sticks. Even if he does stay committed, there have been rumblings about possible grades issues, so that is just another incentive for the staff to be on the lookout.
Possible Options
AJ Turman- A big back from Orlando, Turman fits the mold of a workhorse back. He's a downhill runner with deceptive speed. Turman is supposed to visit Coral gables within the next few weeks.
TJ Johnson- A versatile threat offensively, Johnson is not necessarily a true running back. He is on the smaller side at 5'7, 160, but is explosive and quick. I'm not sure that he is the type of back that Miami is looking to pair with Duke in the future, but his talent can't be ignored. West Virginia is hot on his trail.
Tarean Folston- Hailing from Cocoa Beach, Folston is a balanced back who has excelled in the running attack at Cocoa High School. He has the ability to carry the load. Camped at Miami in early June, but USF is in the picture big time. Don't think his offer is committable at the moment.
Tony Pittman- The first out of state name on the list (Hampton, Virginia), Pittman recently claimed he received a Miami offer. He is a name that has recently gained steam on the recruiting trail. At 5'11, 200 he seems like another back who is more of a workhorse. He will be somebody to monitor throughout his senior season.
Derrick Henry- The former UGA commit is one of the biggest prospects in the state of Florida and the entire country. He is a physical specimen (6'3, 235), which is why most have projected that he is better suited at a position other than running back. The staff has recently been picking up conversations with him and he may be a prospect who the coaches decide to bring in at the position he wants to play, and then if it doesn't work out, they can move him later.
Running back is a position where names often emerge out of nowhere, look at Danny Dillard from last year for example. I would not be surprised to see this happen again this year.
