Position Preview: Running Back
One thing is for sure with this position group, it has not been the strong suit of the Blue Raider offense for quite a while, by all means. And probably will continue to decline in 2022. To be fair, this isn’t exactly Middle Tennessee’s M.O. or style of offense head coach Rick Stockstill likes to operate with on this side of the ball. That’s obvious as MTSU has not had a single player finish a season north of 500 yards since 2018. The struggles in the ground game continued last season.
MTSU ranked 10th overall in the C-USA with 1,608 total rushing yards 123.7 rushing yards per game. Even worse, ranked 12th in the conference averaging just 3.5 yards a carry on the ground. As far as the 2021 campaign went, the Blue Raiders had a running back by committee approach. The Middle Tennessee three-headed rushing attack was led by Martell Pettaway, Frank Pleasant, and Chaton Mobley. Additionally, Brad Anderson was occasionally used in the personnel as a fourth option.
The bad news for this upcoming season? Three of these four major contributors a season ago have departed before the upcoming 2022 season. After Senior tailbacks Martell Pettaway and Brad Anderson ran out of eligibility and Junior Chaton Mobley announced he would enter the transfer portal, this means only one experienced guy will return: Sophomore Frank Peasant. Peasant, who will look to lead the Blue Raider rushing attack in 2022, will need to have a breakout Sophomore campaign if Middle Tennessee wants to have any chance of success in the run game this season. The running back room will be a very young and inexperienced one this season, that’s to say the least. Who else will be heavily relied on in the Blue Raider backfield this season? Well…
***Returners***
Sophomore Frank Peasant
As advertised above, Pleasant will be the guy to look out for at this position. Seemingly is a lock to start in the backfield this season barring a surprise candidate in fall camp. As a true Freshman, finished second on the team with 304 rushing yards along with 3 touchdowns. This is the lone tailback with plenty of action from a season ago. Expect big things from Pleasant this season, who looks to be one of the better running backs in the conference during the 2022 season.
Redshirt Freshman Jalen Montgomery
Only saw action in two games as true Freshman a season ago. Should played a bigger role in 2022 as a majority of the top guys last season have departed. The Columbia, SC native has a legitimate shot to see consistent action as a reserve tailback this season.
Redshirt Freshman Terry Wilkins
Similar story here with Wilkins. Interestingly, will be a third year freshman this season (along with Montgomery) as COVID allowed a free blanket in 2020 and was redshirted last season. Limited to action in just one game a season ago. Wilkins will need to work his way up the depth chart during fall camp to expect meaningful snaps.
***Newcomers***
Redshirt sophomore Joe Ervin
This is the X-factor of this position group, in my opinion. Spent three seasons at Kansas State, where was second on the Wildcats with north of 300 yards and also had 2 touchdowns. Ervin, who played at South Pointe High School, is most likely the guy who could step up and become a player. Needs to do so if the Blue Raiders want any sense of quality depth in the ground game this season.
Redshirt Freshman A’Varrius Sparrow
Another guy who transferred in from a Power 5 program. Spent his first two seasons at West Virginia, where he saw action in just four games a season ago. Could see action as a reserve with a productive fall camp.
Redshirt Senior Darius Bracy
Entering his sixth season of eligibility, Bracy spent five seasons at Central Michigan. Started to see meaningful snaps a season ago, where he was second on the team with 212 rushing yards. Another guy who will fight for a reserve role behind the top options in the backfield.
Redshirt Senior Darius James
The local Nashville, TN native departed from the Middle Tennessee program after the 2020 season. Could play a factor here on special teams this season; however, looks to be buried on the depth chart at running back.