Young running backs looking stronger and more experienced in 2019

Note: In the seven days before Montana's first fall camp practice, GoGriz.com will bring you seven stories previewing seven different position groups. Next up: running backs.

Returners (2018 Statistics)
Adam Eastwood (125 ATT, 514 YDS, 9 TD, 68 Long, 4.1 AVG/A, 46.7 AV/G)
Levi Janacaro (NA)
Trase Le Texier (FB)(NA)
Drew Turner (NA)

Additions
Ryan Arntson
Elias Dewaters
Marcus Knight
Nick Ostmo

Losses
Jeremy Calhoun
Rey Green
Alijah Lee

The Montana Grizzlies were one of the youngest teams in 122 years of Grizzly football to take the field in 2018, and nowhere were they younger than at the running back position. Adam Eastwood carried the bulk of the load as a redshirt-freshman, who came to UM from San Diego State.

In 2019, the Grizzlies RBs will still be young, but with Eastwood's trial-by-fire experience, sophomore transfer Marcus Knight's gap-finding speed, and a supporting cast of physical runners surrounding them, the group is primed to make strides this season.

The 2018 Grizzlies did not lack athleticism or talent, but the youth shown through in turnovers. While not all attributed to the running backs, Montana dropped the ball 18 times last season, with 13 resulting in a giveaway.

With a focus on physical development and ball retention in the offseason, and extra heft added to the offensive line, the 2019 season is shaping up to be a big year for the still-young running backs.

"I think we'll be productive on offense if we do two things. One, we have to take care of the football, first and foremost. We have to be great in terms of protecting the football, keeping it, and making sure we end all drives in some form of a kick," said head coach Bobby Hauck.

"And we have to be able to knock people around up front and knock people off the ball. If we can do those two things, we'll have a great year on offense."

Last season Eastwood rushed for one of the longest touchdowns in Montana's history, breaking loose for a 68-yard score at Cal Poly, one of the 20-longest on the books at UM. Making appearances in all 11 games, he had 125 carries for 514 yards and 9 touchdowns. He averaged 46.7 yards per game on the ground and caught 30 balls for 183 yards through the air.

At Citrus College, Knight helped the Owls advance to the Western States Bowl and led the team in rushing yards, yards-per-carry, and yards after contact. He picked up all-conference honors with 912 yards on 130 carries, averaging 82.9 yards per game and seven yards-per-carry with eight touchdowns.

With Knight arriving on campus in January, the two shared the bulk of the reps during the spring season, while mixing in freshmen Drew Turner of Kalispell and Levi Janacaro of Missoula, who both proved to be bruising additions to the running back stable.

Three of the four flashed glimpses of brilliance in the Grizzly Scholarship Association Spring Game, with Eastwood, Knight, and Turner each scoring a touchdown in the maroon team's 28-17 win over the silver.

In the game, Knight carried the ball six times for 56 yards with a long of 36 yards, and a scrambling touchdown from six yards out. Eastwood picked up 39 yards on 11 carries with a long of 15 and a TD.

"Having a couple running backs that can get in there and makes some plays, get some yards, and protect because it is a position where they are in the physical mix every time the ball is snapped," says Hauck. "So, I like what is going on with them, and I am excited to see how that position evolves this fall."

While Eastwood and Knight are likely to battle for a starting job in fall camp, the two complement each other well. Eastwood brings the size, while Knight brings some lateral speed and explosiveness. But Hauck is looking for what they can do with their eyes.

"Everybody is kind of their own individual. No two of us are alike, and that shows up probably in running backs versus anywhere else. But they are both physical runners and have decent speed. It is all about having vision and finding it," he said.

The exciting thing for Griz fans will be to see what new faces like Turner and Janacaro bring to the table to complement the abilities Eastwood and Knight already bring. If the spring season is any indicator, they'll bring a brand of bullish, powerful ball-carrying that the Griz have relied on in championship seasons of the past.

"We've had really good running backs around here. We have some guys that are hammers. We have to be able to do that, and that's not limited to one guy. We have to have all of them be able to run through contact and get some yardage after contact," says Hauck.

"I think they all have embraced that. They have embraced taking care of the football and helping the team move the chains. I am excited how this fall will evolve."

UM opens fall camp on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Dornblaser Field.

University of Montana Athletics

Young running backs looking stronger and more experienced in 2019

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Players Mentioned

Ryan Arntson

Jeremy Calhoun

Elias Dewaters

Adam Eastwood

Rey Green

Levi Janacaro

Marcus Knight

Trase Le Texier

Alijah Lee

Nick Ostmo

Drew Turner

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