Kent State Running Backs Primed for Versatile Attack

KENT, Ohio – The Kent State running back room is generating excitement heading into the season, with a veteran tandem leading the way and promising depth emerging behind them. Running backs coach Mohamed Ibrahim sees a group embracing competition and building toward a dynamic, committee-based approach.

Leadership From the Transfer

Jordan Nubin's transition from Minnesota has exceeded expectations on and off the field. The graduate transfer has emerged as more than just another back in the rotation – he's become an offensive leader.

"Nubin has been a blast, especially for my first year coaching," Ibrahim said. "He brings leadership at a whole different level. He's become the leader of this offense."

Ibrahim, who played with Nubin during his safety-to-running back transition at Minnesota, has watched the veteran develop into a vocal leader at Kent State. Where Nubin once led by example in the Big Ten, he's now calling player meetings and serving as a direct liaison between coaches and players.

The physical tools Nubin brings from his Power Four experience are equally impressive. His big-bodied running style, honed in the Big Ten, translates well to the MAC level.

"As a running back in the Big Ten, you run with power, you run between the tackles, you drive your feet," Ibrahim explained. "It looks different, and the closest thing to it is the NFL running back."

Garcia's Comeback Story

Gavin Garcia's return from injury has created an intriguing dynamic in the backfield. The 2023 leading rusher missed the 2024 season but has impressed coaches with his physical condition and renewed explosiveness.

"Gavin looks good. He's cut, he's playing fast. He's going to shock many people this year," Ibrahim said.

The chemistry between Garcia and Nubin has been one of the camp's highlights, with both backs pushing each other to new levels. Their competitive nature extends from the weight room to on-field drills, creating an environment where neither player allows the other to settle.

"Those two challenge each other all the time," Ibrahim noted. "One guy gets tired, the other guy pushes them up. Those guys are not scared of competition. They look forward to it."

Committee Approach

Rather than establishing a clear pecking order, Kent State plans to utilize a running back by committee system that maximizes each player's strengths. The coaching staff sees this flexibility as a strategic advantage that can adapt to different defensive looks weekly.

"It's a running back by committee," Ibrahim explained. "Every week is going to have different challenges, and defenses do different things. We've got guys who can catch the ball out of the backfield. We got guys that can do good things between the tackles and outside the tackles."

Emerging Depth

Beyond the veteran leadership, two younger backs have caught the coaching staff's attention during camp. Jahzae Kimbrough and Donovan Delaney Jr. have both impressed with their development and could factor into the rotation.

The coaching staff is also exploring creative packages that could simultaneously feature multiple running backs on the field, adding another wrinkle to an already versatile attack.

Season Outlook

With Garcia's return to health and Nubin's veteran presence, Kent State's running game has the potential to be a significant strength. The combination of power running, pass-catching ability, and depth should give the offensive coordinator flexibility in game planning.

Ibrahim put it when asked about the group's goals: "Whatever the team needs to win, we're going to try to get it done."

For a program looking to make noise in the MAC, having a deep, experienced, and competitive running back room provides the foundation for success. The key is keeping everyone healthy through camp, or as Ibrahim described, a successful camp: "Making sure all the horses get to the race."

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