Indiana football had trouble finding the right way to utilize its running backs on many occasions in 2022.
IU recognized Jaylin Lucas was its most explosive option out of the backfield, and that Josh Henderson was its most productive, but struggled to get them enough touches to make a big impact in a lot of games. The Hoosiers started to figure that out more near end of the year, though.
And with both Henderson and Lucas back in 2023, IU will hope they both continue making plays. Those two are likely to lead the Indiana backfield in 2023.
Lucas earned All-American honors for his kick returning, but had some big moments on offense as well. He posted 271 rush yards on 49 carries with two touchdowns, and 82 receiving yards on 16 receptions. Henderson led IU with four receiving touchdowns and eight total touchdowns. The North Carolina transfer rushed for 398 yards on 90 carries, and caught 24 passes for 274 yards.
Offensive coordinator Walt Bell and new run game coordinator Bob Bostad have both talked about IU’s need for utilizing its running back tandem — particularly Lucas — properly.
Shaun Shivers is gone, but Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner could fill that void. He rushed for more than four yards per carry for the Demon Deacons last year — 516 yards on 128 carries with seven touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.
RUNNING BACKS
Leaving: Shaun Shivers (out of eligibilty), Charlie Spegal (transfer — Ball State)
Returning: Jaylin Lucas (sophomore), Josh Henderson (fifth-year senior), Trent Howland (redshirt sophomore), David Holloman (redshirt sophomore)
Incoming: Christian Turner (transfer — Wake Forest)
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