UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO ATHLETICS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — One of the more interesting battles in camp has been at running back. Although, regardless of who wins the starting job, the coaching staff believes a number of backs will see time on the field this season.
A year ago, Johnathan Hawkins entered the season as UB’s starter. He started the first three games and rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Now healthy, Hawkins is ready to return to the lineup and be a key contributor. In 2016, Hawkins rushed for 338 yards (4.6 ypc) and a touchdown and added 21 receptions and another score. Hawkins ranked fourth on the team in receiving in 2016 and it his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield that makes him so valuable.
With the injury to Hawkins last season, Emmanuel Reed was promoted into the starting role and went on to have a breakout season. Reed started the final nine games of 2017 and led the Bulls in rushing with 840 yards and nine touchdowns on the year. The Crestview, FL had five 100-yard games in 2017, including a 144-yard, three-touchdown performance at Kent State. Reed, a sophomore, was recently named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award – given annually to the nation’s top running back.
As a redshirt-freshman last season, Theo Anderson was a solid backup to Reed and proved to be a nice compliment with his powerful running style. Anderson ranked second on the team in rushing with 419 yards and two touchdowns in 2017. He had a strong finish to the season, rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown in a win over Bowling Green and 91 yards on only 14 carries in a win at Ball State.
After redshirting as a freshman last season, Kevin Marks has been opening eyes with his play in camp. The Norfolk, VA native also had a strong spring, including a 60-yard touchdown run to open the scoring in the spring game. Marks, a standout in high school, rushed for 2,364 yards and 36 touchdowns his senior season at Norview High School.
Adding depth at running back are a pair of freshmen, Jaret Patterson and Dylan McDuffie. Patterson rushed for 2,045 yards and 23 touchdowns his senior season at Saint Vincent Pallotti High School in Maryland. McDuffie, a local product who graduated from Sweet Home High School, rushed for 4,261 yards and 54 touchdowns over his four-year career.
The 2018 season kicks off on September 1 against Delaware State at UB Stadium. For tickets contact the UB ticket office at 1-877-UB-THERE or click here.
