Indiana Football Position Preview: Returners, Transfers Create Deep Running Back Room

Indiana lost running back Shaun Shivers to graduation but returns most of its rushing production from the 2022 season, including All-American Jaylin Lucas and Josh Henderson. Following Monday's practice, we talked with Indiana running backs coach Craig Johnson, along with Lucas, Henderson and Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner for the next leg of our position preview series.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana struggled to find offensive balance in 2022, ranking ninth in pass attempts and 121st in rushing yards per game among 131 FBS programs.

But with returning and incoming talent in the running back room and questions at quarterback, Indiana could opt for a run-first approach in 2023. At the very least, there could be a more balanced offense in Walt Bell's second year as offensive coordinator.

The position group is led by Jaylin Lucas, who had a breakout freshman year and earned first-team All-American honors as a kick returner, and Josh Henderson, who had a productive 2023 season in both the run and pass game. Indiana added Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner to round out the group, creating a versatile trio.

On Monday, we talked with Indiana running backs coach Craig Johnson, along with Lucas, Henderson and Turner to discuss the group's expectations for the 2023 season.

Johnson wasn't happy with the way the running backs performed in Saturday's scrimmage. But he was intrigued by their response on Monday, which was more representative of their performance throughout the offseason.

"I thought we were very sluggish. I thought our room was," Johnson said. "I thought we've played at a high level throughout a lot of the preseason. I didn't see a lot of that [Saturday], so I let them know. One thing about me, I'm blunt. I tell it like it is. And if they are playing at high level, I'll let them know. I'll praise you. If they don't, I'm going to tell them it's not acceptable. That's how it is. I'm not there to be their friend, so they were not very happy when they walked out of that room after practice. That's probably the only time I've had to really get after them. They responded."

Personnel

• #28 Christian Turner: redshirt senior, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, 26 games at Wake Forest, 14 games at Michigan
• #26 Josh Henderson: senior, 5-foot-11, 225 pounds, 12 games at IU, 23 games at UNC
• #27 Trent Howland: redshirt sophomore, 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, 12 games at IU
• #33 David Holloman: redshirt sophomore, 6-foot, 205 pounds, four games at IU
• #12 Jaylin Lucas: sophomore, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, 11 games at IU
• #25 Daniel Weems: sophomore, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds
• #36 Reece Lozano: redshirt freshman, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds
• #37 Declan McMahon: redshirt freshman, 6-foot, 190 pounds

Top expected contributors: Jaylin Lucas, Josh Henderson, Christian Turner

Indiana Hoosiers running back Josh Henderson (26) runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Ty Van Fossen (13) in the first half at Nippert Stadium / Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

An All-American threat

Jaylin Lucas won't be able to fly under the radar like he did as a true freshman in 2022, when he led the FBS in kickoff return touchdowns and made a number of eye-opening runs despite entering the year as the nation's 984th-ranked recruit. Now he will be at the top of everyone's scouting report. 

Lucas has embraced the increased responsibilities and expectations heaped on his 5-foot-9 frame. He figures to contribute as a running back, slot receiver, kick returner and punt returner as a sophomore. Johnson also has challenged him to become a three-phase player in the run, pass and pass-protection games. Lucas was recently named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, given to the college football's most versatile player. 

"I'm just ready keep going and keep elevating my game at each and every level I can," Lucas said. "I've got two roles of knowing receiver and in the backfield, so I've got to know a lot of formations and everybody's role, really ... It hasn't really been a challenge, as long as you're studying your playbook each and every night, you'll be straight."

Lucas said he feels more confident and relaxed as a sophomore, and Johnson thinks that has translated on the field. Johnson said he challenges his players to always be on the rise, and he sees Lucas on that path.

"I think the early-game jitters when [Lucas] was a true freshman, that was a lot for him," Johnson said. "Now, he plays like a second-year player. I think he’s understanding the game, the pace of the game, what he’s got to do, practices at a really high level, football is very important to him, he works on his craft hard. I like what I have seen so far, but I’m never in love with what I’ve seen so far. There’s always room to grow."

Running style variety

Between Jaylin Lucas, Josh Henderson and Christian Turner, Indiana has three running backs with proven track records who each bring something different to the table. Lucas is the fastest, most elusive of the bunch. Henderson was productive both as a power runner between the tackles and in the pass game, generating 398 rushing yards and 274 receiving yards last year. Indiana also added Wake Forest transfer Christian Turner, who rushed for at least 500 yards and 4.0 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons. 

Johnson is teaching each running back to play multiple positions, and they have experimented with two-back formations throughout fall camp. It can be a challenge to learn the various roles, but Johnson said this will help Indiana attack defenses in multiple ways if players embrace this goal.

Throughout his 39-year coaching career – 21 in college and 18 in the NFL – Johnson has learned the importance of having a deep, versatile running back room. He's still figuring out how reps will play out on game day, but he expects everyone to be ready to perform.

"You better be ready and prepared like a starter because you don't get do-overs," Johnson said. "Don't tell me, 'I need to warm up.' Don't tell me, 'I need to get the feel of the game.' You're talking to the wrong coach."

The bottom line

Indications throughout fall camp have shown that Indiana wants to run the ball more than last year, when it ranked 13th in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game. With Lucas, Henderson and Turner, it seems like Indiana has the personnel to do it, as long as the offensive line shows improvement. The running backs have looked like one of the most talented position groups on the team throughout fall camp.

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