Baby Backs - Good to the Bone

PHILADELPHIA - Any collegiate offensive coordinator worth his salt will aim to create versatility within his playbook. A dynamic system creates more opportunities, opens up running lanes and loosens coverage downfield.

As Temple spring practice continues into April, the Owls' offense looks to three underclassmen at running back to add an extra dimension to an already diverse gameplan. Sophomores Ryquell Armstead and Jager Gardner, combine with redshirt sophomore David Hood, to bring much-needed depth and experience to the backfield, each with his own unique running style and big play ability.

According to Gardner, the inclusion of the three backs just adds to the already powerful punch senior starter Jahad Thomas brings to the table.

"We're kind of like a one-two-three punch," Gardner said. "Jahad can hit you pretty mean, but any one of us can hit you pretty mean as well."

Gardner, one of three freshmen to garner significant action on the field last season, broke onto the scene last season against SMU after setting the school record for longest run from scrimmage with a 94-yard touchdown scramble. The self-described "big back" is all power and downhill running, which differentiates him greatly from Thomas' usual slashing style.

The spring has seen the power back work with the first team on multiple occasions, allowing running backs coach Chris Wiesehan to diversify the Owls' ground game.

Enhancing the running game this season is the addition of a fullback, seldom used over the past few years. Redshirt junior Nick Sharga and redshirt sophomore Rob "Nitro" Ritrovato have brought toughness to the running back corps.

"I think that Nitro has accelerated in our offense as both a tailback and a fullback," Wiesehan said. "He has found a role in that duality that can help us be successful."

The option to the throw a number of different backs at a defense, all with notably contrasting running styles, forces the opposition to prepare for each of them. Hood, the oldest of the three backups, sees the value of separation among his fellow backs.

"We're all competitive, but that's what makes us all good," Hood said. "We compete so much at every single thing, that when you turn the film on, you see three guys who never stop. We all have different styles. Jager runs different than Ryquell, I run different from Ryquell, I run different than Jager. We all have different tools."

Hood watched his playing time expand as the season wore on last year, adding more reps to his résumé with each passing week. By season's end he became a third-down specialist, equally adept at running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. This spring he has been working through an injury but returned to practice late last week.

The undeniable leader of the group, though, remains Thomas and his wealth of on-field experience. As both a senior and First-Team All American Athletic Conference, the starter has fostered an atmosphere of grit and toughness within the unit, both of which clearly shine through during practice.

According to Wiesehan, Thomas has been every bit the leader the group needed, earning the respect his No. 5 jersey demands — one of the single-digit numbers assigned by teammates to the toughest players.

"I think they look at Jahad from a leadership perspective based on his performance and his knowledge in the meeting room," Wiesehan said. "He's very good above the neck, has a great understanding of our offense, the protections and the blocking schemes. I think they gravitate towards his leadership."

Serving directly under Thomas, though, has been Armstead, a dependable backup and utility athlete. The freshman running back hit his stride early last year, setting season highs for carries and yards against Charlotte before scoring two touchdowns against Tulane.

Entering his sophomore season, though, Armstead maintains that there is a certain level of competition between the three backups.

"We're brothers more than competitors, but in the offseason we're a little more loose with each other," Armstead said. "Once camp comes around, we get a bit more competitive. But we all understand we're here to make each other better."

As a group, the three have been critical in game-planning for the future, especially when taking pressure off Thomas.

After watching the senior suffer through some minor injuries last season, Wiesehan is more than happy to utilize the consistent "next man up" mantra that permeates many successful football programs. From his perspective, the extra reps falling to the younger backs not only gives them experience, but also lightens the crushing load on Thomas.

"Over a 14 game season, that's a lot of reps," Wiesehan said. "I think those guys being a year older, being able to take a role on special teams takes a load off of Jahad, where he was taking a lot of hits. It's going to keep him fresher longer. We're going to see his performance enhanced because he's going to be more explosive since he won't be worn down."

And while Thomas may remain the starter and headline player at the position for the Owls, the three backups expect to continue improving their individual games, grabbing playing time off the bench.

According to Hood, the fresh legs make a difference during the week-to-week clash of in-season collegiate football.

"There is a lot of depth, so you're going to have fresh legs on the field all the time," Hood said. "We're just utility guys."

Temple University Athletics

Baby Backs - Good to the Bone

Players Mentioned

Ryquell Armstead

Jager Gardner

David Hood

Nick Sharga

Jahad Thomas

Related Videos