Big Ten Football Preview: Running Backs

4. Indiana: Jordan Howard, Junior

Nov 22, 2014; Birmingham, AL, USA; UAB Blazers running back Jordan Howard (7) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Legion Field. Marshall defeated UAB 23-18. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Hoosiers have the extremely difficult task of replacing one of the greatest running backs to ever wear an Indiana uniform in Tevin Coleman, who rushed for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2014. They did come across some luck, however, as former UAB star tailback Jordan Howard decided to join the Hoosiers after the Blazers football program was done away with. Howard is eligible to play immediately.

Howard may not be Coleman, but he is a superbly gifted runner in his own right. In 2014, he carried the ball 306 times for 1,587 yards and 13 touchdowns. That is a major workload, so Howard should have no problem handling what the Hoosiers will be expecting from him. He was one the the nation’s top rushers last year and he figures to be in line for another monster season.

There are a couple other names to keep an eye out for next season for the Hoosiers. Sophomore Devine Redding and redshirt freshman Tommy Mister could also see some time in the backfield for Indiana and take some carries away from Howard.