Bulldog Backs All Finding Ways To Contribute
October 28, 2021 | Football, Joel Coleman
Some are in the spotlight more than others, but virtually MSU’s entire running back group is contributing.
STARKVILLE – Ask any coach and they'll gladly tell you that there's no such thing as having too many good football players.
For Mississippi State, the Bulldogs are fortunate to have a talented stable of running backs. Led by Jo'quavious Marks, Dillon Johnson and J.J. Jernighan, MSU heads into this weekend's big matchup against Kentucky with a trio of guys that are all well equipped to help head coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense take off, no matter their assignment.
"Dillon and Woody [Marks] are kind of interchangeable as the primary guy," State running backs coach Eric Mele said after practice Wednesday. "J.J. really packs a punch in pass protection and as a lead blocker in the run game. He's not bad with the ball in his hands as well. Not a lot of scheming when to use each guy, but each guy can do some good stuff."
Each guy is versatile – a trait that's always desired, but is especially valuable in the Air Raid. Just look at Marks, for instance.
Marks leads the team with three rushing touchdowns and has 194 yards on the ground this season, but he's also State's second-leading receiver in terms of receptions. His 49 catches lead all FBS running backs and additionally, he's tops among all the nation's running backs in hands/drop grade per Pro Football Focus.
Something there's no statistical measure for is Marks' toughness. Mele indicates it's one of Marks' best qualities.
"He just battles," Mele said. "He's a competitor. He goes out there play after play. It doesn't matter whatever happens. There was one time last week, I was kind of shocked when he was bouncing around the next series. Those guys have all created an expectation for themselves, which is great to see. They don't want to miss reps and they want to help their team win. It's a good thing to see as a coach, to see your guys want to go out there and compete."
Johnson is much the same as Marks. Johnson has been slightly better on the ground, statistically, this season. He leads MSU with 207 rushing yards and has one score. In the passing game, Johnson is third on the State squad in receptions, just one spot behind Marks.
Maybe the most telling stat as to how similar Marks and Johnson are, is their total yardage. This season, Marks has accounted for 481 yards. As for Johnson? He's just one yard behind at 480.
But don't forget Jernighan. He's now played in all seven games and been providing quality reps for State as well.
"J.J. is really solid in a pass-protection role, some of our heavy-set stuff," Mele said. "He practices well and probably deserves that opportunity to be in the mix a little bit."
Marks, Johnson and Jernighan carry most of the offensive load for the running backs. They're the guys who frequently get their names called and are on the field in some shape or form, play after play. But if you look closely enough, other MSU running backs are contributing to the Bulldog cause as well. Ke'Travion Hargrove and Omni Wells are both set to help State try to earn a big win against the Wildcats on Saturday.
"I think Bull [Hargrove] is on the depth chart in a couple of units, this week on special teams," Mele said. "It'd be nice to get him out there a little bit. Another guy who has popped up is Omni Wells. He'll see some action this week on special teams. That whole group has been a big part of special teams the last several weeks and going forward the rest of the season."
Everyone is playing a part. Some guys are more in the spotlight than others, but all are contributing.
"It's tough," Mele said. "It's a crowded room."
But this is football. A crowded room full of good options is just fine.
