There were nine running backs on San Diego State’s spring roster a year ago.
There were four names listed Monday when this year’s spring camp opened.
That means more practice reps for each player. With the departure of starting running back Marquez Cooper, the Aztecs may share the ball more among the backs this season as well.
Cooper got 90% of running back carries (292 of 324) last season. Teammates Cam Davis (14 carries, 76 yards) and Lucky Sutton (5 carries, 35 yards) rushed fewer than two dozen times between them.
“Coop was a bell cow,” SDSU offensive coordinator Matt Johnson said after Tuesday’s practice. “He was what you wanted, could handle all three downs and was probably the best I’ve ever been around as far as durability. In five years of coaching him, I saw him get dinged only one time.
“We’re not looking to necessarily replace him with one guy. I think the room is strong at the running back position.”
Johnson suggested sharing the load to keep everyone fresh for the fourth quarter.
“The thing is, if one of those guys does emerge, we’re OK with giving the guy 30 or 40 carries a game if he earns that,” Johnson said.
The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Davis was the first one in on those rare occasions Cooper came off the field last season. Davis’ quick cuts and elusiveness contrast with the more punishing style provided by the 6-1, 212-pound Sutton, a Cathedral Catholic High School graduate.
“They’ve done a really good job,” Johnson said of Davis and Sutton. “They both know that now it’s their turn. The one thing I want them to understand is they don’t need to press. They don’t need to be something that they’re not. They’re here for a reason. They’re getting their reps for a reason.
“What (they’re) doing is good enough, so just keep building on those days. You don’t necessarily need to be the guy that gets 45 carries on Day 1 of spring practice.”
New to the running backs room is Coastal Carolina transfer Christian Washington, who rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns last season for the Chanticleers after two years at New Mexico.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder is a local standout who gained for more than 4,000 yards at Helix High School.
“His reps were a little bit limited (the first two practices),” Johnson said. “We’re kind of building him back up. He had a little injury in the winter that he’s fully cleared from now. The burst that he shows when he does have the ball has been really exciting, and it’s going to be cool to see him ramp up and get the true reps.”
Another running back returning from a more serious injury is 5-10, 200-pound Cincere Rhaney, who appears ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL suffered during workouts last summer.
Rhaney is eight months post-surgery for an injury that typically requires 12 months before returning to the field.
“He’s been full-go,” Johnson said. “I was very excited about him as a freshman, then he gets hurt.”
Rhaney was a surprise addition to SDSU’s 2024 g class, flipping from a commitment to San Jose State to sign with the Aztecs. He was MVP of the Mission League last season after rushing 199 times for 1,883 yards (9.5 yards a carry) and 23 touchdowns for Gardena Serra High School.
“I think he’s getting his legs underneath him,” Johnson said. “It’s been awhile since he’s done football. He’s done a good job of tackling the rehab to get him in a position to be out here and make plays on the field.”
SDSU will add a fifth running back to the room over the summer when Class of 2025 signee Jordin Thomas (Tracy Lincoln High School) s the program.
