Previewing Indiana Football's Running Back Room

Justice Ellison and Elijah Green

North Carolina transfer Elijah Green is behind the eight ball, so to speak, because of his health. Green looked good during spring, and seeing how he competes this summer and fall will be interesting. Like Justice Ellison, he's learning the Shanahan offense.

However, he has not looked like someone coming off an injury to his credit. That said, Green is likely going to be fourth on the depth chart but does have two years of eligibility, unlike veteran running back Justice Ellison.

The issue with Wake Forest transfer Justice Ellison is an inability to catch the football out of the backfield. It could be that Wake Forest doesn't feature their running backs in the passing game, or Wake didn't feature him because he isn't a great receiver.

Ellison isn't the most explosive running back, but he's effective between the tackles and isn't a liability in pass protection. He might catch up to Lawton and Black enough to get significant carries this fall.

In addition to the running backs, quarterback Kurtis Rourke is one year removed from his knee injury and should be a plus in the running game. Shanahan does use option-read philosophies in his offense and has no issue running the quarterback.

This running back room is crowded. Fortunately for Cignetti, Shanahan and the Hoosiers, it is also talented.