Pre-season position primer – The Running Backs

Paul Wulff and his Cougs are hard at work over in the blistering Pullman sun (what’s that like?) and I think it’s high time to take a look at the positions, group by group.

Of course, the depth charts are not released at this point as the guys are doing their best to fight for or keep their positions, but we can definitely do what we do best and speculate…

Today we’ll start with the running backs.

Why?

Mostly because it’s been one of the worst-performing positions on this squad for going on half of a decade now and quite frankly, I’m excited about this group. This year, barring freak arm-breaks or blood clots, this crew should finally be able to chew up some yards.

As you know, the running game isn’t just about the guy carrying the ball, but also the guys opening the holes and the line seems large enough, and experienced enough this time around to actually give these guys a bit of room to run.

And the guys carrying the ball? Not shabby. Not at all.

1. Logwone Mitz – 6-1, 223

Mitz, the redshirt senior from Redmond has had a slow and steady rise to the top in his years in Pullman. He’s played in every game of his career, backing up James Montgomery and Dwight Tardy. More of a bruiser than a cutter, Mitz showed some definite flashes last season on his way 263 yards on 74 carries. He had 4 TDs and averaged 3.55 yards per rush. Alone, I wouldn’t be quite as high on him as I am, but fortunately, he’s got a great compliment in the backfield in…

2. Rickey Galvin – 5-8, 171

At only 5-8 and 171 pounds, the redshirt freshman from Berkeley is in the mold of other small and quick backs that have found success in the league in recent years. Galvin walked on to campus last summer and instantly wowed the coaching staff, earning play time early in the first game of the 2010 season. Had it not been for a horrific injury in that first game, Galvin would likely be on top of this list. I’m very tempted to call him my breakout player of the year right now.

3. Carl Winston – 5-8, 200

Junior Carl Winston wrangled some significant play time as a freshman when James Montgomery (and what seemed like the rest of the team) went down due to injuries. He took advantage of that time and carried the ball 36 times for 142 yards. Last season, with the return of a healthy Montgomery, Winston saw his play time suffer, especially as the season went on. In total, Winston carried the ball 28 times for 90 yards, with his best game coming against Stanford where he carried six times for 31 yards. Winston is a blend between 1. and 2. — quicker than Mitz and bigger than Galvin, with some nice speed. Winston has good hands and can catch the ball well out of the backfield, a skill that may allow him to see more time this season.

4. Leon Brooks – 5-7, 167

Brooks did not play in any games last season, buried in the depth chart. Now with Montgomery and Marcus Richmond gone, the RS sophomore from Harbor City, Calif. will have his shot to make an impact.

5. Marcus Mason – 5-9, 176

It’s not clear if true freshman Mason will see the field this year or if Wulff will redshirt him, but his name has been mentioned several times early in fall camp by coach Wulff and he’s put together some nice runs. Mason may be the fastest back in the group.

With a good passing game keeping the defenses honest, these guys should be able to significantly improve upon their terrible 91 yard/game average from last season. In fact, this should be the most improved squad on the field. If that does happen, the offense will be dangerously well-rounded and that will equal some exciting football.

Go Cougs!