PULLMAN — Washington State coach Kirby Moore has a daunting decision to make this preseason: how to split carries between three talented running backs.
The trio of Kirby Vorhees, Leo Pulalasi, and Maxwell Woods make for a fearsome combination, with each player bringing their unique strengths to the table. Vorhees, in particular, has shown promise as a lead back, piling up 575 yards on 138 carries last season, with an average rush of 4.2 yards and five touchdowns.
Moore's background as an offensive coordinator, where he's used a spread rushing attack, makes this decision even more intriguing. Last season, the Cougars' rushing attack averaged just 58 yards per game in their first three games, but by the end of the season, they ranked No. 79 in Pro Football Focus' rushing grades, thanks in large part to Vorhees' production.
Woods, who had a breakout performance in the Cougars' Potato Bowl win last winter with nine carries for 117 yards, is looking to take on a more meaningful role this season. Pulalasi, meanwhile, is healthy again and provides a steady hand in the backfield.
"We're just trying to get everyone used to the new offense, the new schemes and the footwork," Vorhees said back in April. "That's really been the big thing. But I think we're gonna be a three-headed monster."
Moore's willingness to design the Cougars' offense around the players on the roster, rather than forcing his vision onto the team, will be put to the test in the running backs room. As the Cougars head into fall camp, the question on everyone's mind is: will coaches split reps equally between the three running backs, leading to a three-back approach, or will one rise above the rest and become the lead back?
Moore's experience with a spread rushing attack, particularly in his time as Missouri's offensive coordinator, where he used a workhorse-style approach with players like Cody Schrader and Ahmad Hardy, suggests that he may be inclined to split carries between the three backs. However, the fact that he's keen on designing the offense around the players on the roster adds a layer of complexity to the decision.
The Cougars' running backs room is a dynamic and intriguing one, with each player bringing their unique strengths to the table. As fall camp gets underway, fans will be eagerly watching to see how coaches split carries between the three backs, and which player will emerge as the lead back.
We'll begin to find out on Thursday and beyond as the Cougars kick off their preseason camp.
Source: Yahoo Sports