Wake Forest Football: Running Backs

Wake Forest lost running backs Josh Harris due to graduation. Who will Wake Forest look to in the run game?

Orville Reynolds - Orville is currently the top running back on the depth chart. The senior ran for 53 yards on 21 carries for 2.5 yards/carry. Last season Orville primarily played the flanker position and ran for 36 yards on just 9 carries. He also had 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Orville is a shifty back who has the ability to break long runs. He is not a power back, however, so I would look for Dominique Gibson or Isaiah Robinson to get the majority of carries in short yardage situations.

Dominique Gibson - Gibson was recruited as a linebacker, but last season made the transition to running back. He ran for just 24 yards on 15 carries in the spring game. Last season he ran 53 times for 138 yards (2.6 yards/carry). He also had 87 receiving yards; the most memorable being the 44 yard reception against Miami. Given that this is now Gibson's second season as a tailback, the Deacs are hopeful he can be relied upon for more carries to spell Orville Reynolds.

James Ward - Ward has been converted from a defensive back due to a running back, but did not accumulate any stats during the spring game.

Incoming Freshmen:

Isaiah Robinson - I would expect Robinson to get some carries this season for depth purposes alone. The incoming freshman finished his high school career with 3,466 rushing yards and 47 rushing touchdowns. His 5-10 223 pound frame could be used in short yardage situations.

Tyler Henderson - Henderson ran for more than 1,500 yards and had 23 touchdowns during his senior season. Henderson would probably benefit from a red shirt season so that he could bulk up, but he has the potential to make big plays for the Deacs in the future. With our lack of depth at the position it's possible he plays this season.

Continue to check in with Blogger So Dear this week as we evaluate where we stand at each position.