2022 Preview: Running Backs

RETURNERS: Zach Hrbacek, Weston Stephens, Charles Crawford III, Jacob Berry, Jevin Murray
NEWCOMERS: Dezmon Jackson, Garret Hagler, Jalen Washington

HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston had one of most balanced offenses in the country over the past two seasons which saw the Bearkats go a combined 21-1 and win a national championship.

A talented group of running backs were a nice compliment to a powerful passing attack in 2021, and a combination of quality returners and newcomers such as Oklahoma State transfer Dezmon Jackson should have the Kats in a good position in 2022.

New running backs coach John Johnson has been pleased with what he has seen out of his group so far, both on and off the field, as Sam Houston begins the transition to the FBS in its final season in the WAC.

"I expect us to come out and have an explosive year at the running back position," Johnson said. "I want guys to come out and have a great experience in college but to also leave their mark here at Sam Houston."

The Bearkats picked up a big offseason acquisition when Jackson came to Huntsville from Stillwater where he spent time around Coach Johnson last fall. He played in six games for the Cowboys last season, rushing 48 times for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

His best game of the season came against TCU where he rushed for 68 yards with two touchdowns. He also had a solid showing in the Big 12 Championship game with 31 yards on the ground and seven receptions for 39 yards against Baylor.

"The first couple of weeks have been good," Jackson said. "We started off fast and have just been keeping the momentum going. I'm adjusting and perfectly fitting in with the guys. Everything has been real smooth."

Jackson transferred to Oklahoma State from Hutchinson Community College where he rushed for 1,216 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2018. After taking a redshirt in 2019, he exploded on the national scene when he rushed for 235 yards and three scores in a win over Texas Tech as he finished the season with 547 yards on the ground.

"Dez is a phenomenal running back. He is a three-down back and has the ideal size of an NFL running back," Johnson said. "I expect him to come out here and do what he needs to do — run the football hard, catch the football out of the backfield and block. He is a tremendous human being. He is the type of dude you want in your room."

The Bearkats do have two running backs from last season that picked up some game experience including Zach Hrbacek who ran for 161 yards on 22 carries in four games before taking a redshirt.

He hit the ground running out of the gate for Sam Houston with 65 yards on seven carries in the season-opening win at Northern Arizona, showing his explosiveness with a 42-yard run against the Lumberjacks and a 63-yard touchdown burst in a win over Dixie State.

"Just being able to get out there last season was good," said Hrbacek, who rushed for 7,534 yards and more than 100 touchdowns during his career at Troy High School in Central Texas. "It felt like I was in high school again, just running. I really enjoyed it. Last year, the people around here make it great. When you score your first touchdown, it is real special because everyone is real happy for you and it is just different from anywhere else."

Weston Stephens played in all 12 games as a true freshman, being used as a primary kick returner and reserve running back. He finished the season with 25 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown while averaging 19.5 yards per kick return.

He also had an impressive showing in the blowout win over Dixie State rushing seven times for a team-high 90 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown.

"Weston is a fast guy, probably the fastest in the room," Johnson said. "We just need to find a role for him to where he can play and help us and be productive as well."

Johnson said there has been one surprise running back who has taken advantage of a strong start to fall camp. Redshirt freshman Charles Crawford III has been turning heads in practice.

"Charles has really come on, understanding the offense better and playing more comfortable," Johnson said. "Charles is very explosive. He is a strong kid and is not afraid to put his face in there and pass block. We are still working on his hands a bit but the way he runs the football downhill and how he pass blocks really fires me up."

Also, in the mix this season is Jacob Berry, a veteran who was a member of the scout team in the 2020-21 season and took a redshirt in 2021.

Other newcomers to the room include true freshmen Jalen Washington, the 2021 Montgomery County Football Player of the Year from Montgomery High School, and Garret Hagler, younger brother of offensive lineman Ethan Hagler, who joins the team following a very productive high school career at Barbers Hill.

Jevin Murray who transferred from North Texas and is making the transition to running back after playing in nine games for the Kats last season on special teams and in the secondary.

2022 Preview: Running Backs

Players Mentioned

Jacob Berry

Charles Crawford III

Ethan Hagler

Garret Hagler

Zach Hrbacek

Dezmon Jackson

Jevin Murray

Weston Stephens

Jalen Washington

Footer