With a mostly returning group, it appears to be a pretty clear shakeout.
With more of a solidified view of the roster after the Spring Showcase, what will each running back bring to the table?
One thing is clear: Devin Mockobee is back and will certainly lead the flack. The rising seniot posted 138 carries for four touchdowns and a long run of 63 yards. In a struggling offense last season (understatement), Mockobee still posted five YPC, a slight decrease from his first two seasons, but he’s been RB1 for quite sometime and I don’t think any of us to expect that to change.
Mockabee has been one our all of our favorites since he broke out as a walk-on and I cannot wait to see him have a great senior season. Love that guy. Fun player.
Behind Mockobee, you’re gonna see split carries between Jaeim Merriweather and Malachi Thomas, a transfer from Virginia Tech as a fifth-year senior. If anybody gets more my guess is Merriweather.
Merriweather was solid as a freshman thrust into his role last year. He had 17 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown while also showing that he, like Mockobee, can be used catching passes out of the backfield. He caught three passes for 21 yards. I like his trajectory going forward, especially given he’ll be in his third year when he takes over for Devin Mockobee.
Malachi Thomas was used a lot at Virginia Tech, but behind lackluster offensive lines he had pretty low yards per carry averages. Also a good receiver out of the back field and I like that you have multiple guys who can do that. With some injury issues, he had 93 carries as a true freshman, then 37, then 83, then back down to 43. That’s the part to watch here.
The Boilers will also have sophomore Antonio Harris, who has only one career carry but did appear in the final seven games last season. Bruising 5’9” 201-pound freshman Ziaire Stevens arrives at Purdue as the former #28 prospect in Ohio and #45 high school running back in the country.