Minnesota Football Spring Practice Preview: Running Back

The value of depth on their 2024 roster is a lesson that Minnesota’s coaching staff seems to have learned from the previous campaign, and perhaps no position is more evident than the running back room. Many Gopher supporters will recall the late October of the previous season, when injuries and veteran players’ excessive ground ball usage forced the Gophers to rely on Jordan Nubin as their

RB5.
In order to add outstanding players to this room, Fleck and company signed some important veteran pieces, even though it is hoped that Taylor stays fit for double-digit games in 2024. You have to start with Taylor, the three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, before we move on to them. He was the

He averaged more than eight forced failed tackles and more than 120 yards after making contact during those games. That is ridiculous. Given that he is one of the top running backs in the Big Ten when he is on the field, it is hoped that in his second year of collegiate football, Ibrahim can maintain his physical health longer.

Transfer to Ohio Sieh Bangura, who will play two seasons at Minnesota, has three years to play. He had a total Pro Football Focus grade of over 75 in each MAC season. In addition to his 6-0 and 205-pound body, he caused 60 missed tackles and amassed 1,094 yards after contact during the previous two seasons. Bangura has four career fumbles on 412 carries, which has led some fans to doubt the MAC running back transfer following the way it played out last season. I’m not concerned.
Marcus Major, a graduate transfer from Oklahoma, was also added by the Gophers for the 2024 campaign. Injury derailed Major’s career, a four-star talent in the 2019 class. He made 35 appearances in games over his five

seasons at Oklahoma, starting five of those games for the Sooners in the backfield. This season, four of them starts and seven of their appearances occurred. Throughout his career, he amassed 194 carries for 833 yards and eight touchdowns with the Sooners. With a single running touchdown and a career-high 78 carries for 308 yards, he concluded 2023. Major will be utilizing an additional year of eligibility due to COVID, therefore he will have one year to play at Minnesota. Major’s measurements are 220 lbs. and 6-0.
Nic McKissic-Luke, the RB coach, is also pleased that Bryce Williams has chosen to come back for a seventh season. Throughout the Golden Gophers’ six seasons, Williams has carried the ball and gained 1,094 yards of rushes.