Year in Review: Running Back
Louisiana Tech (7-6) finished its 2017 campaign with three consecutive victories including their fourth straight bowl victory. The DXL Frisco Bowl win over SMU has Bulldog fans excited for 2018. Over the next few weeks we will take a look back at 2017 and a look ahead to what 2018 may hold for the ‘Dogs. Next up, running backs.
2017 Running Backs:
In 2016 it was the Jarred Craft show at running back. In 2017, it was Boston Scott’s time to shine in the Bulldogs two-headed backfield. Scott, a former walk-on, ran for 1,047 yards and eight touchdowns in 2017 while Craft added 532 yards and three touchdowns.
The best story of 2017? Jaqwis Dancy beat cancer and rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns on the year. The sophomore averaged nearly seven yards per carry while flashing his explosiveness on many instances. Dancy ran for a career-high 135 yards in Tech’s victory over UTEP in November.
The biggest disappointment? After combining for 53 catches in 2016, the Tech running backs took a back seat in 2017, combining to catch only 37 balls in 2017.
2018 Outlook:
With Craft and Scott moving on to graduation, it is realistic to believe the running back position has the most question marks heading into 2018.
Dancy returns for his junior year after playing a reserve role in 2017. Can he carry the load as the lead back in 2018? He’s beat cancer, and he has talent. Don’t bet against him.
Israel Tucker, a 2016 signee, got nine carries in 2017 and will be expected to play a bigger role going forward. A smaller back, Tucker, resembles Boston Scott in stature. Whether or not he can provide Scott-like production is to be determined.
Obviously two running backs cannot carry the load for a complete season. Tech must add to the position in the late signing period. Running backs Deandre Marcus and Elijah Hines are currently committed to the Bulldogs. Can they contribute right away? Will a junior college or graduate transfer be added? Certainly possible.
Consensus:
Bulldog fans have been spoiled with the likes of Kenneth Dixon, Jarred Craft, and Boston Scott at running back in recent years.
For the first time in quite some time the Bulldogs will face some uncertainty at the position in 2018. With running back historically being one of the easier positions to replace on the gridiron, there is reason to be optimistic.
Jaqwis Dancy is talented and has playmaking ability. Will he be the next great one in a long list of good running backs in Tech history?
Stay tuned to BleedTechBlue.com as we continue our 'Year in Review' series, take a look at Dunkin’ Dog basketball, and dive into the final recruiting targets with the late signing period on February 7th.