Spring Ball Notebook: Running Backs
Projected Spring Game Depth Chart:
#26 Nathan Carter, So, Rochester, NY, 5-9, 196
#0 Will Knight, Jr, Smyrna, DE, 5-9, 208
#28 Brian Brewton, So, Miami, FL, 5-6, 173
#25 Devontae Houston, So, Roanoke, AL, 5-10, 163
#30 Robert Burns, Gr, Miami, FL, 5-11, 228
#44 Max Modeste, RB, rFr, Trophy Club, TX, 6-0, 201
One of the lone bright spots for the Huskies offense last year was running back Nathan Carter, who enjoyed a fantastic freshman season, leading the Huskies with 578 rushing yards (4.6 per carry), while nabbing 19 catches out of the backfield, for an additional 127 receiving yards. Entering year two, the New York native looks to be stronger, quicker and appears poised for a sensational sophomore season—he will most likely be the featured back for UConn.
While Carter owns a well-built frame, JUCO transfer Will Knight (aka ‘Agent 0’) is an even bigger back who runs low to the ground and picks up steam like a locomotive in the open-field. Knight would seem suited to serve as a short-yardage and/or goal line runner when needed, while occasionally spelling Carter when he needs a blow. Looking for a change of pace back? Miami native Brian Brewton could play that role. He primarily returned kicks last season for the Huskies, averaging 29.9 yards per return (seventh in the nation amongst FBS players), including two returns for touchdowns, as he demonstrates quick acceleration in the open field.
“We’ll play the guys who can help us win,” UConn head coach Jim L. Mora stated during the spring. “It’s not like the old days where you just have one guy who took 30 carries a game, it just doesn’t work like that anymore but we got a really good group of diverse runners. Obviously, some of it will be situational game plan, what personnel group we’re using but I think they’re all productive runners and they can be productive in this offense. We’ll create roles for all of them.”
Other players in the backfield who could play a role include graduate senior, Robert Burns who spent four years at the University of Miami before transferring to UConn last season, making the most of his touches in limited time. There is also plenty of upside in sophomore Devontae Houston, who was used as a runner, return man, gunner (six special teams tackles) and was an effective pass-catcher out of the backfield.
The UConn coaching staff will have lots of different flavors to choose from when piecing together the running back committee but make no mistake about it—the scoop begins with ‘Commando Carter.’
SPRING BALL NOTEBOOK SERIES
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