The Colorado Buffaloes’ running back room is starting to take shape ahead of spring practices, and there’s no shortage of intrigue. Over the weekend, running backs coach Johnnie Mack shared a snapshot of his position group gathered for a Super Bowl LX watch party - a tight-knit moment that also gave fans a sneak peek at one of the most talked-about additions to the roster.
In the photo, one figure on the far right drew immediate attention: Alabama transfer Richard Young.
After three seasons in Tuscaloosa, where he logged 247 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 61 touches, Young is heading to Boulder in search of a bigger role. And from the looks of it, he’s ready to make a statement.
At 5-foot-11 and 212 pounds, Young brings a physical presence that stands out in a room traditionally built around smaller, shiftier backs. Compared to returners Micah Welch and Dekalon Taylor - both listed at 5-foot-9 - Young offers a different kind of punch. He’s the kind of back who can lower his shoulder in short-yardage situations, push the pile at the goal line, and wear down defenses late in games.
That’s a welcome addition for a Buffaloes team that lost several key contributors to the transfer portal this offseason, including Dallan Hayden (Memphis), Simeon Price (Oregon), and hybrid WR/RB Dre’lon Miller (Baylor). With those departures, the door is wide open for a new backfield identity - and Young is poised to be a central figure in that evolution.
But he won’t be alone.
New offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, fresh off his stint as Sacramento State’s head coach, has brought in a pair of familiar faces in Damian Henderson II and Jaquail Smith. Both backs played under Marion and understand the nuances of his offensive system, which should give them a leg up as they compete for reps.
What’s emerging is a position group defined not by a single workhorse, but by depth and versatility. With a mix of returning talent, incoming transfers, and scheme-savvy additions, Colorado’s backfield is shaping up to be a rotational unit built to stay fresh and adapt to different game situations.
And while the Super Bowl party was a chance to celebrate former Buffs tight end Brady Russell - who capped off his college-to-pro journey with a Super Bowl ring in the Seahawks’ 29-13 win over the Patriots - it also served as a quiet introduction to what could be one of the most important position battles of Colorado’s spring.
Keep an eye on this running back room. With Richard Young bringing a new level of physicality, and Marion’s system encouraging competition and creativity, there’s a real opportunity for this group to become a strength - not just in name, but in production.