Colorado’s backfield is shaping up as one of the most intriguing battles in fall camp, and the reason is simple: the Buffaloes are trying to turn the run game into a real weapon.
Deion Sanders made a major offseason swing by bringing in former Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion, whose “Go-Go” offense is built around a fast, vertical attack with a physical downhill edge. That shift puts a new spotlight on the running backs, because this scheme leans heavily on the ground game and looks likely to spread the carries around.
Micah Welch enters camp with familiarity on his side, but last season’s production - under 400 rushing yards - doesn’t make him an automatic answer at the position. He should still get opportunities, though, because Marion’s system is built around a committee and even includes designed RPO looks for quarterback Julian Lewis.
The bigger question is who emerges from a crowded room. Alabama transfer and former five-star Richard Young looks like the most obvious candidate to make a leap.
He already flashed in a viral practice clip, where Marion’s coaching seemed to spark him before he broke off a long scrimmage run. Colorado will be hoping that version of Young shows up this fall, because his power and ability to violently break tackles fit exactly what the “Go-Go” wants from its inside running game.
Still, Young isn’t the only name in the mix. Marion also has two backs he previously coached in California’s state capital: Damian Henderson II and JaQuail Smith.
Both averaged more than six yards per carry last season, and they bring different styles to the table. Henderson, at 6-2 and 205 pounds, offers more of a downhill punch, while the 5-11 Smith gives the Buffaloes a speed option.
DeKalon Taylor can’t be left out either. He’s another back who has already played in this same backfield with Welch, which only adds another layer to the competition.
The mix gives Colorado a range of options: Young as the potential breakout, Taylor and Smith as the outside threats, and Henderson and Welch as the inside bruisers who can help carry the load. That combination should make the opening stretch of the season a committee effort, including the season opener against Georgia Tech.
Down the line, though, Marion will need someone he can trust to wear defenses down late in the year. Young and Henderson look like the strongest candidates for that role. For now, though, no position group on the roster appears more fiercely contested than running back.
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