Tigers work to fill Washington's shoes
Missouri's backup tailbacks prepare to step up with the former starter out.
Published Sept. 3, 2010
Starting senior tailback Derrick Washington’s permanent suspension from Missouri football, issued Wednesday, leaves the remaining four Missouri rushers with some big shoes to fill.
Washington started in every game in 2009, rushing for a team-high 865 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year's work followed an impressive sophomore season, when Washington rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, just one shy of Missouri's single-season record.
The Raymore native was primed to lead the Tiger backfield for his third straight season, but the suspension put that duty in the hands of his backups. Sophomore Kendial Lawrence and junior De'Vion Moore will look to shoulder the load in Saturday's season opener.
Lawrence was the clear No. 2 tailback throughout training camp, making him the new No. 1 going into the 2010 season. Despite being a year younger and seeing slightly less action than Moore in 2009, the sophomore is listed at the top spot. But with Moore now recovering from a recent big toe injury, both of them will be getting carries in game one.
Coach Gary Pinkel said he’s put the loss of Washington behind him and is confident in the switches at running back.
"We move them over, move them out, and there are no excuses," Pinkel said. "When you have a situation like this, other teammates have to pick it up and play at a different level."
Pinkel was unclear as to whom the go-to back will be, noting the skills Lawrence and Moore each bring to the table.
"You mature so much in your second year, and I think (Lawrence) is a very talented player," he said. "De'Vion has more experience than he does, but I think they will both do a great job."
Rounding out the tailback position on the Tiger depth chart are freshmen Henry Josey and Marcus Murphy. The third- and fourth-string backs have a lot in common: Both are undersized (each listed at 5 foot 9 inches, 180 pounds), both are Texas natives and neither has played in a college game.
The rookies have learned fast though, competing in practice and putting up strong numbers in the scrimmages. Josey recorded a carry and a reception in each of the three scrimmages, and Murphy racked up 55 receiving yards on two receptions in the second scrimmage.
Now at the No. 3 tailback spot, Josey hopes his quickness can earn him some playing time. But the former all-district high school running back knows he has to earn it.
"I would love to play this year," Josey said. "It's at the top of my list. There are great competitors, so every day you have to come out ready to roll. I'm just getting ready to be quick out there."
Although the loss of Washington bumped Josey up a spot on the tailback list, the suspension of his close friend left him rattled. But the freshman knows his senior mentor will get through his situation.
Junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert is also confident his team will work through the recent problems.
"We have to fight through it," Gabbert said. "Things are going to happen to this football team, but we're going to bounce back and fight on."