Ball State offense to feature committee system in backfield

Sophomore Teddy Williamson lunges through a tackle by Se'Von Pittman of Akron on Oct. 25. DN PHOTO SAMANTHA BLANKENSHIP
Sophomore Teddy Williamson lunges through a tackle by Se'Von Pittman of Akron on Oct. 25. DN PHOTO SAMANTHA BLANKENSHIP

Ball State running backs

Darian Green - Sophomore

Teddy Williamson - Junior

James Gilbert - Freshman

Spencer Gilbert - Freshman (RS)

Evan Sembell - Freshman


Ball State’s all-time leading rusher graduated and signed a deal with the San Diego Chargers. His absence has set the Cardinals up for a running back by committee system for this season.

Joey Lynch, the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, believes there will be no issue acclimating the committee to his system.

“I think they can fit right in,” Lynch said. “We're doing some things different schematically based on our personnel ... but we feel really good about our running back corps.”

There is talent at running back all over the roster. There are six tailbacks on the roster, including junior Teddy Williamson and sophomore Darian Green, along with freshman James Gilbert. Horactio Banks, a change-of-pace back for the past few seasons, suffered a stress fracture and will miss the season.

Each back brings a different set of skills that can impact the game and help break down defenses.

“We have a lot of good backs out here,” Williamson said. “I'm just blessed to be a part of this team, blessed that I'm even in the mix-up.”

While it is common to want the lion’s share of the carries, Williamson is pleased with the situation he is in.

“I feel like [my advantage] is my size,” Williamson said. “Experience and being able to focus on the field and help the team any way that I can, and the offensive line makes that easy.”

Edwards used a patient style of running that featured power up the middle. Some of the new backs are expected to be able to sweep it outside and beat the edge rusher.

Senior center Jacob Richard said his game won’t change much in the new committee system.

“Obviously we have a little different types of runners and each one brings something to the table,” Richard said. “But for the most part the way we do things is the way we do it and that's not changing much.”

The Ball State offense has had a summer to prepare with an established offensive line, veteran receivers on the edge and a set starting quarterback.

Redshirt sophomore Jack Milas leads an offensive attack that he expects to receive a large contribution from the running game.

“It doesn't really affect us,” Milas said. “We have great backs and they're ready to go. They've waited their turn and now they're ready to shine.”

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