Colorado football had the worst rushing attack in the Pac-12 last season (68.9 yards per game).
If the Buffaloes are going to compete in the Big 12 this fall, their running game must undergo a massive transformation.
That process began in the offseason when Colorado football coach Deion Sanders completely revamped the offensive line with experienced and talented transfers. If that wasn’t enough change, each of the Buffs’ four leading rushers from last season (Dylan Edwards, Anthony Hankerson, Sy’veon Wilkerson, Alton McCaskill) hit the transfer portal.
Former walk-on running back Charlie Offerdahl survived the purge, though, and he was rewarded for his loyalty ahead of his fourth season in Boulder.
The Littleton native was put on scholarship by Sanders just hours before Colorado took the field for its spring game in April.
“Just because Charlie Offerdahl had the title of a walk-on, you guys under estimate him, you look past him; I don’t,” Sanders said during a breakout session at Big 12 media days in July. “I look at a man for who he is, not where he came from. Forget the small beginnings, he’s not a walk-on anymore, he’s a scholarship player and he’s the starter at this point.
“They have to beat him (Offerdahl) out.”
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Offerdahl worked his way up the depth chart with an impressive spring, becoming a favorite of both Sanders and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
But the “they” who Sanders alluded to will have plenty of opportunity to help the Buffs’ rushing attack improve.
Here are the three candidates who will challenge Offerdahl to be Colorado’s starting running back in 2024.
Dallan Hayden
If Hayden is anything like the player he is on EA Sports College Football 25, the Buffs’ running game will be just fine.
The Ohio State transfer is a lead candidate to receive the bulk of the carries for Colorado…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/start-running-back-colorado-football-004527411.html
Author : The Coloradoan
Publish date : 2024-07-25 00:45:27
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