Miami Hurricanes Football: Canes Warning Staff Previews the 2015 Hurricanes Season

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Sep 27, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) is tackled by Duke Blue Devils safety Jeremy Cash (16) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With Gus Edwards out for the season, who do you think becomes Miami’s lead running back this season? Or do you think it’ll be by committee all season?

Juan Toribio: I think it’ll be a running back by committee this season, unless one of the three main guys just goes insane the first couple of weeks. I love Mark Walton and he’ll definitely be a starting running back at Miami, but I don’t know if it happens this season. Joseph Yearby looks like a brand new man, and he looks focused to take over the spot. Trayone Gray won’t get starting looks, but he’s a guy that can get hot and the staff would be nuts to keep the ball out of his hands. I think Miami is in a great spot, even with the loss of Gus Edwards. The Canes have three homerun threats in the backfield, which is always a good thing, especially when you have a star quarterback.

Harry Kroll: At the start of the season, I imagine it will be a committee-type deal, with Joe Yearby and Mark Walton getting more carries than Trayone Gray. However, by the end of the season, I think Mark Walton becomes the guy. He seems to have the best combination of well-rounded technique and athletic potential and he’s a quality receiving option out of the backfield, something Miami’s offense used last year to great effect with Duke Johnson.

Daniel Gould: Before Gus’ injury, I thought Yearby would lead the team in yards while Gus would lead the team in carries in touchdowns. With Gus out I think Yearby leads the team in all categories. His weight gain in the offseason should help him a ton with inside running and he still looks as explosive as ever.

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Shanon Culiner: With Gus out, I think you’ll see the running game start out as a shared venture, but I think you’ll see Joe Yearby start to steal the show come game 3 or 4. It’s still a very talented backfield, but Mark Walton is a true freshman, and Walter Tucker & Trayone Gray (though, add a nice mix) are primarily more bigger, power backs. In goal line situations and a need to wear down defenses, Tucker and Gray should be utilized and it’ll be great to get Mark Walton out there getting his feet wet. But, I think Yearby has the potential to be our next Duke Johnson.

Daniel Nordwall: This is tough, the fan favorites are Joe Yearby and the highly touted newcomer, Mark Walton. But, I think the sleeper in the group is Trayone Gray if he can hold on to the ball. Gray impressed coaches in camp, and it will be interesting to see how James Coley utilizes his abilities. Also, I think Walter Tucker would surprise many fans if he saw some carries in short yardage situations.There won’t be a solidified number one back this season, but that’s not a bad thing at all.

Sam Jacobs: Joe Yearby looked very promising at times last season, so I think he leads Miami’s ground game. I have little confidence in Trayone Gray and although Mark Walton will definitely see some action, Yearby should have the upper hand.

Justin Fessenden: I think it’ll be by committee all season. The Canes have too much talent in the backfield to bench any of them and they all bring a different skill set to the table. The sufficient depth at running back will only help the Canes by bringing in a fresh set of legs when the opposing defense is tired. The fact that running backs take quite a beating worries me a bit because the Canes absolutely can’t afford to have another injury at the position. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

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