By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Spear Reporter | Senior running back Floyd Chalk IV finds the open gap and picks up a solid gain on the ground during SJSU’s 16-14 loss to Central Michigan on Aug. 29. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – Spear photographer)
SJSU’s running backs have the depth to make a real impact, and the team should take advantage of a rotating backfield to keep them fresh and productive. While San Jose State is known for its pass-first offense, the running game still deserves attention.
With the Spartans’ new receiving corps, after former Fred Biletnikoff Award runner-up Nick Nash and All-Mountain West Second Team selection Justin Lockhart both declared for the draft, the team is working with an overhauled group of receivers. However, the running back corps remains intact, giving San Jose State a chance to utilize that established chemistry in the run game.
The Spartans are running a three-back rotation, with senior Floyd Chalk IV and redshirt junior Jabari Bates splitting the bulk of carries, while sophomore Lamar Radcliffe takes on being the third option.
Keeping running backs fresh is crucial. Lead backs often struggle with injuries when they’re asked to carry too much of the load. Rotating multiple backs throughout the game helps reduce that risk and keeps the run game effective, ensuring that no single player is overworked.
The Spartans have had recent success splitting carries.
In Week 1 against Central Michigan, only Chalk and Radcliffe combined for 18 carries and 67 rushing yards, but in SJSU’s recent game against No. 7 Texas, all three running backs shared the load with 24 carries for a combined 99 yards.
Last season, Chalk rushed for 10 of the Spartans 13 rushing touchdowns.
So far this year, Bates, who had just one rushing touchdown last season, already has one after his four-yard score against Texas, showing that the backfield depth isn’t just reliant on a single running back.
“They’re all pretty multiple in what they can do. They’re pass protectors, all runners, but they run differently,” head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “Jabari is probably the fastest, Lamar is the biggest, and Chalk is probably a little more of a jitterbug than him. They’re different runners, but they all bring different things to the game.”
Last season, SJSU ranked 115th in the FBS in rushing yards per game with 80, and 125th in rushing attempts, averaging just 26.5 per game. The Spartans’ run game looks poised to change that this season after their strong start.
“It starts with our day-one stuff, our fundamentals, keeping guys growing and making sure everybody is engaged, asking questions throughout my teaching,” running backs coach Michael Smith said. “In our meeting rooms and on the field, everyone rotates in. We get everybody involved and engaged, not just on the sideline, but also in the meetings.”
Playing multiple running backs also helps the team plan ahead in case one goes down with an injury.
Since the other two backs are already getting carries each week, they won’t just be thrown in cold in the following game. The added benefit is that the rotation builds chemistry among the group.
“If somebody does get hurt, I won’t be afraid to put somebody else in, and our backs in the room can play at a high level,” Smith said.
The Spartans run game will look to make a statement in their next matchup against the Idaho Vandals on Sept. 20, whose defense allowed 134.7 rushing yards per game last season.
