TUCSON – The depth is good, as is the talent, so it’s no surprise new Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez likes what he's seen of the Wildcats' stable of running backs.
It has speed and toughness in sophomore Ka’Deem Carey.
Elusiveness in juniors Kylan Butler and Daniel Jenkins.
And strength and experience in seniors Tiami Tutogi and Greg Nwoko, who has recovered from a torn ACL.
“I like what we have with all the versatility,’’ said Jenkins. “We have a lot of good guys, and we complement each other.’’
Collectively, they’ve adjusted to the new spread offense. They have no choice.
"That's been an area that we've been really pleased with,’’ Rodriguez said. “We thought coming in that there was some experience there with Taimi, Ka'Deem and Daniel Jenkins.’’
Collectively, the top four returning running backs have 703 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 153 carries from last season. So, there’s enough experience to be optimistic.
Carey arguably has had the best spring, showing flashes of open-field running and elusiveness at various times this spring.
“I feel comfortable,’’ said Carey, a former standout at Tucson’s Canyon del Oro High School. “I have a strong running back crew and a strong running back coach and great coaches who help you learn. And that’s what I’m doing – learning every day.’’
The backs will get a final chance to impress their coaches and the fans when completes its spring practices this week with the annual spring game on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Kino Stadium.
