STARKVILLE — The known commodities in Mississippi State’s running back corps begin with Aeris Williams. After leading a running back corps containing two seniors in all notable statistical categories as a sophomore, he’s not stopped at entering the season as the unquestioned starter: he’s been publicly establishing high expectations for himself since the spring.
Williams is also where the known commodities end.
While it lacks a solidified answer, MSU has no shortage of players trying to be that answer. It has morphed into one of the MSU offense’s biggest questions of preseason camp: MSU has only allowed a single running back to take more than a third of the team’s carries once since 2010, so who will take the load off of Williams?
“Behind (Williams), it’s really the knowledge,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said. “Do you know what you’re doing? Not can you run the ball, but do you know what you’re doing? That’s going to be the biggest point: who can figure that out the fastest.”
In naming candidates, the first name Mullen mentioned was Dontavian Lee. Lee ran seven times for 27 yards and caught two passes last year but played in all 13 games as a special teams player as a blocker on return units.
As a running back, the junior has been largely hobbled by a foot injury but feels both completely healthy and ready to reveal a new style of running.
“I gained a little weight, so I guess I’m a power runner now,” Lee said. “I’m just looking for the first down: if I can get that by running you over, I’m going to do that. If I can give you a move, I’m going to do it.”
The two other returners alongside Lee are sophomores Nick Gibson and Alex Murphy. Gibson ran nine times in three games last year; he’s since seen steps toward the more consistent playing time he covets.
“I’m starting to see it more because I’m doing great in the film room and (MSU running backs coach Greg Knox) said to just translate it to the field, and I’m starting to transfer it over to the field,” Gibson said. “I’m there, I’m just seeing it now.
“Seeing Aeris do it, I know it can be done.”
Murphy did not play last year and missed the spring with an arm injury but has since returned to full activity. All of them readily acknowledge their intent of separating themselves from the pack, but all are also prepared to feed off one another in the event that separation never comes.
“It’s not something to prove, we’re just doing our thing,” Lee said. “Aeris is our leader, we’re all behind Aeris right now: and I’m not talking depth chart, he’s our motivation. We’re feeding off his energy, and when I get in they’ll feed of my energy, and when (Gibson) gets in we’re going to feed of his energy and when Alec gets in it’ll be the same thing.
“We’re all brothers, we’re all going to eat. When our number gets called, we’re going to execute to the best of our ability.”
MSU has not shied away from throwing true freshman Kylin Hill, a Columbus native, into that mix. Hill has gotten rave reviews from Lee — “He’s a beast.” — even if coaches say he has areas to improve on, pass protection included.
All that remains is to sort those four backs in some fashion. All parties agree the competition is fierce; they also agree it’s had no negative impact on the unit.
As Lee put it, “We’re all in a blessed state: we play football at Mississippi State. What’s not to be energetic about?”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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