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Up until running back Barrington Scott broke his leg against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 5, Ball State had just three players to rotate at that position.
After the injury, coach Pete Lembo was limited to then-true freshmen Jahwan Edwards and Dwayne Donigan as his running backs.
In 2012, Scott is back from the injury and two more running backs have been added to the rotation. But Lembo isn't complaining about having five backs to choose from. In fact, he's wishing he still had more.
"It's a position where no matter how many you have, they're rarely all healthy," Lembo said. "Whether it's bumps, bruises, ankle turns, whatever the case may be. Typically, different guys have different strengths and weaknesses. You may have a guy that's a better fit for one thing or another."
Last season, both Edwards and Scott were new to being feature backs to Ball State's offense, which caused for growing pains as the season went on. But both players were complements to each other in terms of how they run the ball and pace.
Edwards calls himself a running back that likes to pound the ball; Lembo calls Scott a mix between Edwards and transfer Toney Williams.
With the additions of Williams and Horactio Banks, Lembo knows he will have healthy competition for playing time at running back.
"Right now, it's a good problem to have," he said.
During the Spring Game in April, Williams showed flashes of why he spent two seasons in the SEC at Tennessee. At 6-feet, 215 pounds, he's the tallest running back for Ball State and could be the most powerful one. Lembo said Williams is like a traditional I-formation running back who runs with power.
As for Banks, Lembo used the words "smooth" and "loose" to describe his running style, but was quick to note he has good speed.
But it'll be Edwards who will run on the field for the first series on Thursday against Eastern Michigan. Edwards emerged as the starting running back mid-season in 2011. In 2012, he hasn't changed the way he's prepared for Thursday. He really isn't concerned about the possibility he could lose some touches with the new faces at running back.
"It's the same thing, just listen to the coaches and get behind my offensive line and run hard," Edwards said. "A lot of people want to play and we're out here competing. If I slip up, I could lose my starting job. Just because I start this game doesn't mean I start all season."
Lembo said it's likely that at least four running backs will play in the season-opener. The only back who could miss the game is Donigan, who Lembo said is "50-50" in his possibility of playing because of a sprained ankle. He also said Scott is still not at 100 percent after the leg injury he suffered, but will likely see playing time on Thursday.
From there, it'll come down to who's matching up well against Eastern Michigan's defense as to who will get the most chances to run.
Edwards admits to putting high expectations on himself for this season, but said the main goal he wants is to win football games and get to a bowl game.
If Ball State is going to reach that goal, it may come down to the running backs and how healthy they can stay throughout the 2012 season.
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