We continue our position preview today by turning our attention to the running backs.
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Wide receivers
Just like wide receiver (and quarterback which we will cover later this week), the Flames must replace a multi-year starter at running back. Frankie Hickson has exhausted his eligibility after back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons. In 2019, Hickson rushed for 1,041 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Returning
Joshua Mack will get the lion’s share of the 187 carries lost by Hickson’s absence. Mack rushed 136 times himself in 2019, his first year on the field for Liberty after transferring from Maine. He finished with 792 yards and 7 touchdowns. At Maine, he led all of FCS in rushing as a sophomore in 2017 with 1,335 yards. If healthy, Mack should be able to pass the 1,000 yard rushing mark in his senior season in 2020.
Peytton Pickett enters his redshirt-senior season in 2020. The former JUCO transfer was Liberty’s third running back last season behind Hickson and Mack, being used primarily as a short yardage back. At 5’10” and 210 pounds, that is his forte. He will likely see his 24 rushing attempts increase this season, but he might not be used as an every down back.
Perhaps getting the biggest increase in carries from 2019 will be redshirt-sophomore Troy Henderson. Henderson played in 8 games last season, rushing 10 times for 87 yards and 1 touchdown. The Franklin, Tennessee native will get his opportunity to step into a more prominent role in 2020, and in his limited reps thus far he has shown he has the potential.
Shedro Louis has transitioned from wide receiver to running back since the close of the 2019 season. As a true freshman, Louis spent most of his time as Liberty’s kick returner. Leading the team with 662 return yards and 1 touchdown. He will continue to be the team’s primary kick returner and could move to punt returner as well. Now, he makes the move to the offensive backfield where his elusiveness could be a factor in special packages.
Treon Sibley is a talented redshirt-freshman who may have to wait one more year before he makes a significant impact on the field for Liberty.
Gabriel Elliott and Domonhic Jennings also return for the Flames.
Newcomers
There are no newcomers at the running back position.
Outlook
Despite the loss of Frankie Hickson, the Flames should not see any step down in production at running back in 2020. Joshua Mack will step into the lead role without hesitation, Peytton Pickett provides an experienced option, and there are a few capable young backs ready to step up should their number be called.
