MISSOULA – The transition from Bob Stitt to Bobby Hauck has most Griz fans expecting a change on offense. Maybe a return to Hauck’s ball-control running game of the past, instead of Stitt’s pass-heavy up-tempo attack.
Montana is showing spread formations in practice, but the running backs do expect plenty of work. While we don’t know exactly what the offense will look like in September, we can expect a heavier emphasis on the running game. And Montana has the backs to get the job done.
Seniors Jeremy Calhoun and Alijah Lee return. Those two totaled two thirds of the team’s rushes last year. Calhoun led the team with 684 yards. Lee gained 509 after transferring from Washington State.
But Hauck also likes the depth at the position, including a couple freshmen Terron Moses and Adam Eastwood, who could be in the mix. Plus, sophomore Rey Green has shown flashes with a strong spring. And that makes every carry during Fall Camp important.
“It’s competitive,” explained Lee. “It sounds cliche, but it’s motivation to see other guys go out there and do good. You clap for them and cheer for them. But deep down, you know when I go out there I have to do better. So it makes us all better as a whole.”
“I think in any given week you’re probably counting on three guys getting carries in a game, especially early in the season,” stated Hauck. “As I always say, that’s a pretty physical and volatile position. So you better have a few. They’ll get some live work coming up. That’s where they get to shine.”
Montana will hold a closed scrimmage this Saturday that will give the running backs a big chance to move up the depth chart.
