Backfield battle shaping up

AMES - Say this about Iowa State running backs coach Kenith Pope: the man believes in his guys.

None of his tailbacks have started as the feature back, been in the program for longer than two years, nor carried the ball more than 47 times. Doesn't matter.

Pope is brimming with confidence in what, right now, is a four-horse race for playing time among youngsters Shontrelle Johnson, Jeff Woody, James White and Duran “Duck” Hollis.

Johnson went into spring practice atop the depth chart. The others aren't far behind.

“We have four guys that we can win with,” Pope said. “This is probably the most talent we've had at one time since I've been here. We have a lot of competition.”

Johnson averaged 6.2 yards a carry last season as a freshman and had dazzling touchdown runs of 61 and 33 yards that showcased his speed and open-field ability. He has the inside track to replace Alexander Robinson, who finished his career with the fourth-best rushing total (3,309) in school history.

“That's the goal,” Johnson said. “We all are out to compete for that starting spot.”

Pope knew a year ago he had a special talent in Johnson, who is from DeLand, Fla., and turned down a handful of SEC offers to play for the Cyclones.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder has some moves.

“He's not big in stature but he can make people miss in space. I like that,” Pope said. “If you blow up a balloon and let it go, that's Shontrelle Johnson. You really don't know where he's going to end up and I don't think he knows.”

Woody is the thunder to Johnson's lightning.

At 230 pounds, the former walk-on is a battering ram who also has some shiftiness. Woody carried 47 times for 191 yards and a score last year.

“He's going to get you those tough yards, and he's going to surprise you in that he's a hard guy to tackle in space,” Pope said. “When he's playing behind his pads he's truly fun to watch.”

Johnson said he'd be fine with giving way at the 1-yard line.

“I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Johnson said. “He's a better fit for that goal line situation.”

White showed a burst during last year's spring game and coaches remain high on him. Had Johnson not been around, Hollis likely would not have red-shirted last season. The Fort Worth product has impressed Pope.

“He can stop and start just as fast,” Pope said.

The backfield isn't the only place they'll be lining up either.

Pope said Johnson and others would be utilized as receivers, both coming out of the backfield and split out wide.