Are Drew Harris and J.C. Coleman the Next Great Hokie Running Backs?

David Wilson’s departure for the NFL leaves a large hole in the Hokies offense in 2012. The loss of Wilson and to a lesser extent Josh Oglesby has left the job to a group of young, inexperienced tailbacks. The Hokies stable of running backs has emptied and it’s time to bring in a couple more thoroughbreds to take their place. The names of Ryan Williams, Darren Evans and David Wilson will be replaced by the likes of J.C. Coleman and Drew Harris.

There is a good chance that the tailback position for Virginia Tech this year will be one by committee. Both Coleman and Harris bring different skills to the table. Harris is a large bruising back who can beat you with power, while Coleman is a small speedster.

It is difficult to compare them with the dichotomy that was created between Darren Evans and Ryan Williams, but with experience it could become something similar. As of now, the only Hokie running back with some in-game experience is Tony Gregory.

Gregory didn’t impress much in his rookie campaign. He carried the ball 16 times for 27 yards in 2011. He is also coming off a major leg injury that he suffered in the Sugar Bowl. With all of that in mind, it is safe to say that both Coleman and Harris will have a chance to get some major playing time in the upcoming season.

Coleman appears to be the big-play threat among the two. ESPN has rated Coleman at a 79 and a three-star prospect. His lack of size may be the biggest reason that he is only considered a three-star prospect. Coleman is only 5’6” and weighs in at 170 pounds. His greatest attributes are his speed and elusiveness. J.C. has the potential to become a big threat in the screen game. If he gets out in space, anything could happen.

Harris has the opposite build of Coleman, but has a similar grade from ESPN. He also grades out at a 79, but he is considered a four-star prospect. Harris weighs in at 190 pounds. His 6’1” frame gives him the ability to see over the offensive line, but his greatest attribute is his power. He lacks some speed—he only runs the 40 yard dash in 4.64 seconds—but if he gets a running start then it will be hard to bring him down.

Harris and Coleman’s skills make for an interesting duo in the backfield. The public won’t get to see them on the field for awhile, but both have a lot of potential to become the next great Hokie running back. It may take some time to get these two into game shape, but once they are, there is no telling how great they may be.