Colorado University Athletics
Phillip Lindsay follows his blockers during a training camp scrimmage.
Photo by: Brendan Mackey
Lindsay Has Visions Of Being Buffs’ ‘Every-Down’ Tailback
August 22, 2016 | Football, B.G. Brooks
CU Hasn’t Had 1,000-Yard Rusher Since Stewart In 2010
(Seventh in a series of position-by-position previews of the 2016 Buffs to be posted on CUBuffs.com during the preseason. Today: Running backs)
BOULDER – A couple of weeks into August camp, early into his second run as the University of Colorado's running backs coach, Darian Hagan was asked about the possibility of the Buffaloes once again utilizing a tailback-by-committee ground game.
Here's how the question began: "It seems like it's been going on for . . ."
"Ever," Hagan answered before flashing that trademark high-wattage grin and cackling at his response.
Indeed, it does seem like forever since CU had a true load-bearing running back, an every-down tailback who carried 20-plus times a game and made most of them count. The last Buffs back to average 20-plus carries a game was Rodney "Speedy"
Stewart in 2010, and that season marked the last time CU produced a 1,000-yard rusher.
Averaging 24.1 carries a game in 2010, Stewart rushed for 1,318 yards. He's the Buffs' only 1,000-yard back in the past 13 seasons, and Hagan was coaching the position then too. He worked five seasons (2006-10) in that role under former coach Dan Hawkins.
In three seasons under current coach Mike MacIntyre, the top rushers have averaged, respectively, 10.7 carries (Phillip Lindsay, 2015), 7.8 carries (Tony Jones, 2014) and 12.2 carries (Christian Powell, 2013) a game. Michael Adkins II's 59.4 yards a game average in 2013 (nine games) was the highest by a CU back under MacIntyre, followed by Lindsay's 50.2 mark last season.
Nothing's wrong with a tailback-by-committee approach; utilizing fresh legs and specific skills in specific sets can be productive. Injuries also are a factor in having multiple backs ready to play. And if a roster isn't blessed with an all-purpose back (say Stanford and Christian McCaffrey) but does feature four backs who each have a niche, then who plays is clear.
All of them – and Hagan doesn't have a problem with it. But if he were pressed right now to name an every-down back, that name would be Phillip Lindsay. Will that change?
"I don't know," Hagan said. "Coach 'Mac' will look at you and say, 'Get somebody in' or something like that. But if we go into the CSU game (with one lead back) I'd say he would be the guy."
Hagan quickly adds, however, "Others will play when he gets tired . . . we'll also have plays that other guys are really good at doing, then we'll get them in by situations."
Lindsay, a team captain for the second consecutive year (he was on last season's 12-member leadership committee), believes he's durable enough and has a versatile enough skill set to be Hagan's every-down guy.
"Definitely," Lindsay said. "I've been working on my speed and that'll be shown this year . . . I can block, I can catch. And I'm not afraid of contact at all. My goal going in all the time is (gaining) four or five yards. So I'm definitely, definitely looking forward to trying to be an every-down back.
"But I also know that we have some great backs and we're going to need each other. It's a team game and we're all working hard. If we can all get in and do some things it makes it even sweeter."
Lindsay, said Hagan, "has gotten a whole lot better; he understands what we're trying to do, he plays fast but sometimes he gets a little lax in his focus. But he'll come back; he's always working his craft. He understands what we're doing, his eyes and his vision are amazing."
But Donovan Lee, who averaged a team-best 5.8 yards a carry last season (49 carries), is pushing Lindsay to be CU's all-purpose back. Hagan called Lee "special . . . he's a natural running back with unbelievable vision and great feet." Hagan said Lee is "just constantly making plays."
Lindsay and Lee caught 26 passes each last season, with Lee's total coming in two fewer games. Lindsay made one TD reception and is considered by Hagan to be the best pass protector among the top tailbacks.
Hagan says Lee reminds him of himself under former coach Gary Barnett, who also said this about Hagan: "He can go from the classroom to the football field and have a really good day. He's the same way. Tell him one time in the classroom and he understands it."
Lee, noted Hagan, "is a pleasure to have in the room because he's so smart. Tell him one thing, one time and he'll remember it."
Hagan's top four tailbacks – Lindsay, Lee, Kyle Evans and Adkins (injured) – comprise "the best group I've had since being here . . . all of them are really smart and have a different aspect of what they bring.
"I like their attitude, how they go about business and they can all make plays. You usually don't get that at this level, but to have (four) guys that you really trust is special."
BISHARAT PROGRESS REPORT: Freshman Beau Bisharat could add his name to that group once he gets acclimated to his new surroundings, the playbook and the speed of the game. But that might take a while and Hagan won't rush the process.
"He's swimming . . . a little like a fish out of water," Hagan said. "But one thing about him, he doesn't pout. He gets his work done and goes hard, but he's going with the threes. And they're all guys who just got here. He's still figuring it out but I'm pleased with what he's doing."
Bisharat, of Sacramento, Calif., said the adjustment to this level is difficult but he's working at it. The speed of the game, the size of the playbook and camp's full days taxed him. He called it "a grind," noting he left his dorm room at 7 a.m. and usually didn't return until 9 p.m. And with classes starting Monday, academics were injected into his schedule.
"It's something I'm not used to at all," he said. "But I'm trying to adjust and power through it . . . I'm trying to get better every day and show the coaches what I can do. I'm just trying to make sure I dive in and learn my stuff so when my number's called I'm ready."
He followed a prescribed CU training regimen before reporting this summer and said he was physically ready when camp opened. He's added 10 pounds (now at 215) since playing in high school and believes he's getting closer to being able to contribute.
"Yeah, I think I'm close," he said. "It's the little things like alignment, ball security, getting my pads lower . . . I'm just a step away but I'll keep working."
His only first-year goals are team-oriented. "I just want to fill my role – whatever that is," he said. "I'm not sure right now, it could be second string if somebody gets hurt, could be third, could be fifth. I'm just here to fill my role and contribute to the team."
SMALL PACKAGE, HUGE PRODUCTION: At 5-6, 180, Evans is the smallest of Hagan's backs. He also might be the quietest. But he's a weight room warrior and pound-for-pound one of the team's strongest players.
He's made plays since camp opened in the running game and passing game, and last week at one of MacIntyre's post-practice huddles Evans was awarded a scholarship. Delighted teammates mobbed him and offered congratulations.
Evans was overjoyed – in his own humble way.
"I'm a very critical person, the kind of person who likes to get more criticism than praise," he said. "We've all been putting out work on this field . . . I think I put in the work before fall camp to get to this point and show what I can do on the field.
"But everything I do is for my teammates; when I score a touchdown it's always for them, never for myself. I'm just trying to do what I can and luckily I've done enough to get a scholarship. I'm glad about that."
THE INSIDE LOOK AT . . .
Running backs
Coach: Darian Hagan, first year in position on current staff.
Returning starters: TB Phillip Lindsay, Jr.
Returnees: TB Michael Adkins II, Jr.; TB Kyle Evans, So.; TB Donovan Lee, Jr.; TB Joey Tuggle, Jr.
Newcomers: TB Beau Bisharat, Fr.; TB Tanner Grzesiek, Jr.; TB Troy Lewis, Soph.
Key losses: Christian Powell, Patrick Carr (left team), Jordan Murphy (FB)
Stat line: The Buffs averaged 3.7 yards a carry and 156.2 yards a game – the highest output of the MacIntyre era. But those numbers put them only 10th in the Pac-12 Conference. In 2014, the Buffs were at 4.1 and 154.6 in the same two categories.
Bottom line: The unexpected departure of Patrick Carr disappointed Hagan and cost CU a potential breakaway threat. Had Carr stayed for his sophomore season, the Buffs once again might have been a "tailback-by-committee" situation and that might still be the case. Hagan's top three backs – Lindsay, Lee, Evans – are similarly built, averaging about 5-8 and 185, and have similar talents. Nonetheless, Lindsay believes he can fill the role of being an every-down back and Hagan might be in agreement. Lee is pushing Lindsay and Adkins could be a contender for that role when he's healthy but, unfortunately, that hasn't been often. At 6-2, 210, Bisharat is the biggest of Hagan's group but he's also the least experienced. If he gets up to speed quickly in the playbook and scheme, the Buffs will benefit.
Next: Linebackers
Contact: BG.Brooks@Colorado.EDU
BOULDER – A couple of weeks into August camp, early into his second run as the University of Colorado's running backs coach, Darian Hagan was asked about the possibility of the Buffaloes once again utilizing a tailback-by-committee ground game.
Here's how the question began: "It seems like it's been going on for . . ."
"Ever," Hagan answered before flashing that trademark high-wattage grin and cackling at his response.
Indeed, it does seem like forever since CU had a true load-bearing running back, an every-down tailback who carried 20-plus times a game and made most of them count. The last Buffs back to average 20-plus carries a game was Rodney "Speedy"
Stewart in 2010, and that season marked the last time CU produced a 1,000-yard rusher.
Averaging 24.1 carries a game in 2010, Stewart rushed for 1,318 yards. He's the Buffs' only 1,000-yard back in the past 13 seasons, and Hagan was coaching the position then too. He worked five seasons (2006-10) in that role under former coach Dan Hawkins.
In three seasons under current coach Mike MacIntyre, the top rushers have averaged, respectively, 10.7 carries (Phillip Lindsay, 2015), 7.8 carries (Tony Jones, 2014) and 12.2 carries (Christian Powell, 2013) a game. Michael Adkins II's 59.4 yards a game average in 2013 (nine games) was the highest by a CU back under MacIntyre, followed by Lindsay's 50.2 mark last season.
Nothing's wrong with a tailback-by-committee approach; utilizing fresh legs and specific skills in specific sets can be productive. Injuries also are a factor in having multiple backs ready to play. And if a roster isn't blessed with an all-purpose back (say Stanford and Christian McCaffrey) but does feature four backs who each have a niche, then who plays is clear.
All of them – and Hagan doesn't have a problem with it. But if he were pressed right now to name an every-down back, that name would be Phillip Lindsay. Will that change?
"I don't know," Hagan said. "Coach 'Mac' will look at you and say, 'Get somebody in' or something like that. But if we go into the CSU game (with one lead back) I'd say he would be the guy."
Hagan quickly adds, however, "Others will play when he gets tired . . . we'll also have plays that other guys are really good at doing, then we'll get them in by situations."
Lindsay, a team captain for the second consecutive year (he was on last season's 12-member leadership committee), believes he's durable enough and has a versatile enough skill set to be Hagan's every-down guy.
"Definitely," Lindsay said. "I've been working on my speed and that'll be shown this year . . . I can block, I can catch. And I'm not afraid of contact at all. My goal going in all the time is (gaining) four or five yards. So I'm definitely, definitely looking forward to trying to be an every-down back.
"But I also know that we have some great backs and we're going to need each other. It's a team game and we're all working hard. If we can all get in and do some things it makes it even sweeter."
Lindsay, said Hagan, "has gotten a whole lot better; he understands what we're trying to do, he plays fast but sometimes he gets a little lax in his focus. But he'll come back; he's always working his craft. He understands what we're doing, his eyes and his vision are amazing."
But Donovan Lee, who averaged a team-best 5.8 yards a carry last season (49 carries), is pushing Lindsay to be CU's all-purpose back. Hagan called Lee "special . . . he's a natural running back with unbelievable vision and great feet." Hagan said Lee is "just constantly making plays."
Lindsay and Lee caught 26 passes each last season, with Lee's total coming in two fewer games. Lindsay made one TD reception and is considered by Hagan to be the best pass protector among the top tailbacks.
Hagan says Lee reminds him of himself under former coach Gary Barnett, who also said this about Hagan: "He can go from the classroom to the football field and have a really good day. He's the same way. Tell him one time in the classroom and he understands it."
Lee, noted Hagan, "is a pleasure to have in the room because he's so smart. Tell him one thing, one time and he'll remember it."
Hagan's top four tailbacks – Lindsay, Lee, Kyle Evans and Adkins (injured) – comprise "the best group I've had since being here . . . all of them are really smart and have a different aspect of what they bring.
"I like their attitude, how they go about business and they can all make plays. You usually don't get that at this level, but to have (four) guys that you really trust is special."
BISHARAT PROGRESS REPORT: Freshman Beau Bisharat could add his name to that group once he gets acclimated to his new surroundings, the playbook and the speed of the game. But that might take a while and Hagan won't rush the process.
"He's swimming . . . a little like a fish out of water," Hagan said. "But one thing about him, he doesn't pout. He gets his work done and goes hard, but he's going with the threes. And they're all guys who just got here. He's still figuring it out but I'm pleased with what he's doing."
Bisharat, of Sacramento, Calif., said the adjustment to this level is difficult but he's working at it. The speed of the game, the size of the playbook and camp's full days taxed him. He called it "a grind," noting he left his dorm room at 7 a.m. and usually didn't return until 9 p.m. And with classes starting Monday, academics were injected into his schedule.
"It's something I'm not used to at all," he said. "But I'm trying to adjust and power through it . . . I'm trying to get better every day and show the coaches what I can do. I'm just trying to make sure I dive in and learn my stuff so when my number's called I'm ready."
He followed a prescribed CU training regimen before reporting this summer and said he was physically ready when camp opened. He's added 10 pounds (now at 215) since playing in high school and believes he's getting closer to being able to contribute.
"Yeah, I think I'm close," he said. "It's the little things like alignment, ball security, getting my pads lower . . . I'm just a step away but I'll keep working."
His only first-year goals are team-oriented. "I just want to fill my role – whatever that is," he said. "I'm not sure right now, it could be second string if somebody gets hurt, could be third, could be fifth. I'm just here to fill my role and contribute to the team."
SMALL PACKAGE, HUGE PRODUCTION: At 5-6, 180, Evans is the smallest of Hagan's backs. He also might be the quietest. But he's a weight room warrior and pound-for-pound one of the team's strongest players.
He's made plays since camp opened in the running game and passing game, and last week at one of MacIntyre's post-practice huddles Evans was awarded a scholarship. Delighted teammates mobbed him and offered congratulations.
Evans was overjoyed – in his own humble way.
"I'm a very critical person, the kind of person who likes to get more criticism than praise," he said. "We've all been putting out work on this field . . . I think I put in the work before fall camp to get to this point and show what I can do on the field.
"But everything I do is for my teammates; when I score a touchdown it's always for them, never for myself. I'm just trying to do what I can and luckily I've done enough to get a scholarship. I'm glad about that."
THE INSIDE LOOK AT . . .
Running backs
Coach: Darian Hagan, first year in position on current staff.
Returning starters: TB Phillip Lindsay, Jr.
Returnees: TB Michael Adkins II, Jr.; TB Kyle Evans, So.; TB Donovan Lee, Jr.; TB Joey Tuggle, Jr.
Newcomers: TB Beau Bisharat, Fr.; TB Tanner Grzesiek, Jr.; TB Troy Lewis, Soph.
Key losses: Christian Powell, Patrick Carr (left team), Jordan Murphy (FB)
Stat line: The Buffs averaged 3.7 yards a carry and 156.2 yards a game – the highest output of the MacIntyre era. But those numbers put them only 10th in the Pac-12 Conference. In 2014, the Buffs were at 4.1 and 154.6 in the same two categories.
Bottom line: The unexpected departure of Patrick Carr disappointed Hagan and cost CU a potential breakaway threat. Had Carr stayed for his sophomore season, the Buffs once again might have been a "tailback-by-committee" situation and that might still be the case. Hagan's top three backs – Lindsay, Lee, Evans – are similarly built, averaging about 5-8 and 185, and have similar talents. Nonetheless, Lindsay believes he can fill the role of being an every-down back and Hagan might be in agreement. Lee is pushing Lindsay and Adkins could be a contender for that role when he's healthy but, unfortunately, that hasn't been often. At 6-2, 210, Bisharat is the biggest of Hagan's group but he's also the least experienced. If he gets up to speed quickly in the playbook and scheme, the Buffs will benefit.
Next: Linebackers
Contact: BG.Brooks@Colorado.EDU
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