STEERING COMMITTEE

FOR THE PAST few years, Texas fell short in replacing the likes of Jamaal Charles and Cedric Benson in terms of overall production in the backfield. The Longhorns received some help from Cody Johnson, Tre Newton, Vondrell McGee and Chris Ogbonnaya, but none of these players reached an elite status. Since Charles’ departure in 2007, the Longhorns found themselves without a standout running back who could produce consistently on the field. Attrition and injury took their toll on any up-and-coming talent, leading to mediocre results in the Longhorns’ running game. Until last year, that is. Led by sophomores….

[s2If current_user_is(s2member_level2)] Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, along with the elusive D.J. Monroe, the Longhorns turned around a once stagnant running game and returned to playing power football. The trio combined for 1,531 of the team’s 2,634 total rushing yards last year, and if all goes accordingly, they’ll have their hands on an even larger share this season.

MALCOLM BROWN

The hype around Malcolm Brown’s arrival last season was unbelievable, but he held his own. The then-true freshman ended his first year as the Longhorns’ lead rusher with 742 yards on 172 carries. His strength paired with his quickness through the line of scrimmage allowed him to rip off some big gains last season, and with a more experienced line in front of him this year, he should do more of the same. “You can see Malcolm has vision, power and great speed,” head coach Mack Brown says. “He’s very durable.” The Longhorns knew what to expect when they signed Brown: a tough back with deceptively quick feet and breakaway speed. Brown also has great hands and the coaches could use him as a receiver out of the backfield. With Fozzy Whittaker gone, the staff may give Brown more chances to catch some passes. One thing to keep an eye on with Brown is his health. Although he only missed three games with a turf toe injury last fall, it’s something that has the potential to creep back up. If he stays healthy, he’ll be in prime position to have another great year.

JOE BERGERON

People say that offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin plans to utilize a diamond formation more often this season, which places the quarterback in the pistol (abbreviated shotgun) with one back behind him, and two to his side. This formation keeps nine men in the box, allowing for one-on-one matchups on the outside, while still enabling the running game to advance downfield. A fullback is often sent in to strengthen one side of the formation and offset the missing tight ends. Joe Bergeron will fit into this role well and will play a big part in the Longhorns’ offensive possessions. Bergeron reeled off consecutive 100-yard rushing games against Kansas and Texas Tech last year, gaining close to a total of 500 yards on just 72 carries. He also has the wherewithal to carry the ball 20 or more times in a game. Bergeron may not have homerun speed like Brown or even Monroe, but he can take a beating, and dish out his own. He resembles Brandon Jacobs, just a little smaller and not so prone to fumbling or random meltdowns. Like Brown, Bergeron also sat out a few games last season due to injury. Bergeron is due for another big year if he can stay on the field and play to his full potential. “If you’re hurt and not on the field consistently, you’ll never be a great player,” Mack Brown says. “One of the things that Malcolm and Joe needed to accomplish this spring was taking care of their bodies. We’re going to rotate the guys [in 2012], and keep them fresh. It’s a bruising position.”

D.J. MONROE

Senior tailback D.J. Monroe doubled his career output in carries last season, but was only able to find the end zone once. With his speed and skill, Monroe’s 100 career carries seems a bit odd. Monroe also runs the 4×100- meter relay for the Texas track team, and besides Marquise Goodwin, he may hold the crown for the fastest Longhorn. Monroe remained relatively anonymous in former offensive coordinator Greg Davis’ schemes, even though his yards per carry mark still rests above seven in his three years with the program. If the Longhorns were to let Monroe run free, the time is now. He’s the most dangerous when he gets to the sideline, which proved difficult the last few seasons. An improved offensive line will solve part of the problem. Once in place, Monroe will need to hit the hole with authority every time he gets the ball. Opponents caught him tiptoeing around the hole a few times last year, and hit him for a loss. Harsin will continue to tinker with Monroe and may even line him up in the slot to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. Monroe is capable of having a breakout senior season. “D.J gives you a chance for a home run every time he touches the ball,” Mack Brown says. “We need to get that back … that ‘every time you touch the ball you’ve got a chance to score.’”

JOHNATHAN GRAY

Just as Brown and Bergeron did last season, incoming freshman Johnathan Gray will have to earn his stripes as a Longhorn. However, given the injuries that plagued both freshman backs last year, the coaches could call on Gray to replace either one in a pinch. The 5’10”, 205-pound Gray comes to Texas as one of the most prolific running backs in the nation. He scored 65 rushing touchdowns in his final year at Aledo High while averaging nearly 23 yards per catch. His versatility is unmatched at this level, and he has all the hallmarks of a premier collegiate running back. Gray could make an impact from day one as a Longhorn, but his performance in the weight room could take him to the next level. For now, Mack Brown will ease Gray into the running back fold, using him in the Wildcat and other formations that maximize his skill set. “Johnathan has done everything right in his career,” Brown says. “He was the National Player of the Year. He’s fast and tough.” Gray’s the crown jewel of a very deep and talented group of running backs that has only begun to showcase its full abilities. [/s2If]
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