BC Football Position Preview: Running Backs

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PERSONNEL

Returners: AJ Dillon (So.), John Fadule (Sr.), Ben Glines (RJr.), Davon Jones (RJr.), Travis Levy (So.), Andrew Strader (RJr.)
Newcomers: David Bailey (Fr.), Javian Dayne (Fr.), Peter Stehr (Fr.)

Dillon became Boston College’s first ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,589 yards as a freshman last season. His rushing total ranked seventh nationally, the second most among all freshmen, the most in BC history by a freshman and the second most by a freshman in ACC history. Returning to the Heights a year older and stronger, Dillon was chosen as the ACC Preseason Player of the Year entering his sophomore campaign. He has been named a preseason All-American by six media outlets and is on the watch list for both the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award.

Levy played in all 13 games as a true freshman a year ago and received 21 carries; totaling 54 yards. He figures to be the second string running back behind Dillon. The two backs have gotten the bulk of the work with the first team offense through camp and have made strides in the passing game as options out of the backfield.

BY THE NUMBERS

#2 Dillon, AJ: 1,589 yards, 14 TD, 5.3 yards per carry
#23 Levy, Travis: 54 yards, 2.6 yards per carry
#16 Davon Jones: 25 yards, 6.2 yards per carry
#19 Glines, Ben: 8 yards, 4.0 yards per carry

Fadule, Glines, and Jones all bring a unique perspective to the group. Fadule started three games as quarterback as a freshman in 2015, passing for 464 yards, and permanently made the move to running back this past spring. Glines splits his practice time with the running back and wide receiver groups. An elusive runner, he has four catches and four carries in his career. Jones ran for 361 yards in 2016 but made the transition to linebacker midseason last year due to injuries at the position for the Eagles and he finished with 23 tackles. A powerful runner, he continues to take snaps with the offense to provide the position with added depth.

IN THE BACKFIELD

Bailey, who has earned snaps with the first and second teams during camp, was rated as the No. 1 running back prospect in Maryland by Rivals and 247Sports… rushed for 1,582 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior… Dayne, the son of 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, rushed for 4,269 yards and 56 touchdowns in 28 career games at Waunakee (Wis.) High School… unanimous All-State first team selection as he led his team to a 14-0 season and WIAA Division 2 state championship as a senior… a two-sport athlete at Miramonte (Calif.) High School, Stehr adds speed and depth to the tailback position… Strader redshirted in 2016 and did not see game action last year… he moved from receiver to running back and has been a critical part of the Eagles’ scout team and has gotten a large number of carries with the second-team offense in preseason practices.

QUOTES FROM THE STAFF

“We feel like now AJ is in year two, he’s an every-down back right now, third down included. We want to be able to help run the ball and throw the ball out of the shotgun. We want to be able to run the ball under center and come out under center old school and three-step or five-step drop it. Those are some things we’re working on.” – Head Coach Steve Addazio

“The foundation of any football program, in my opinion, has to be able to run the ball. You also have to be able to throw it. It’s the new wave in football, that you have to be balanced. We’ve got a dynamic running back. We have a few dynamic running backs in my mind. Any time the defense has to account for the run game, it makes our throw game much better. We’re super excited about it. We feel like we have some weapons on the perimeter. Hopefully the throw and run game can really work together the way we want it to.” Deputy Head Coach Offense/Offensive Coordinator Scot Loeffler

“Davon is doing a great job. He’s playing both sides for us a little bit. We’re trying to invest some time into him in case we have any issues or to increase our depth, while we’re waiting for these young guys to develop. He’s a powerful back. He’s playing on defense and don’t be surprised to see him game one having the ability to have 10 plays on offense.” — Addazio