Make-or-break position battle: Iowa State RBs

Make-or-break position battle: Iowa State RBs

This week we're highlighting the make-or-break position battles for every program in the Big 12. We continue the series with Iowa State's running back battle.

Here's where the battle stands:

Contenders: Sophomore Tyler Brown, redshirt freshman Mike Warren, true freshman Joshua Thomas.

What happened last season: The Cyclones didn't have an exceptional running game; no Iowa State running back finishing with more than 700 rushing yards as Paul Rhoads team averaged just 3.7 yards per carry.

Departed backs Aaron Wimberly (642 rushing yards) and DeVondrick Nealy (273) finished 1-2 in rushing yards. Neither established himself as a go-to playmaker in the attack during Mark Mangino's first season. Mangino hopes to have a much-improved ground attack in Year 2.
What they offer: If an improved running game is in the cards, ISU will need Brown or Warren to show they can handle the load of being a Big 12 running back while being consistent, durable and productive.

Brown saw spot duty with 24 carries for 109 yards and one touchdown a year ago and seems ready for an increased role after a solid spring and early preseason. He excels in the open field and could be versatile option.

Warren impressed while redshirting a year ago and is a slashing, downhill runner. He's created plenty of buzz during the battle to become the starter but remains relatively inexperienced.


Thomas is a physical newcomer who is starting to come on and push for playing time. It already looks like the true freshman has played his way out of a redshirt season so it will be interesting to see if his stock continues to rise as he gets more experience and time in the program.

All three running backs are likely to have a role in the offense with Brown and Warren splitting first-team reps for much of the preseason.

Prediction: Warren becomes the primary back with Brown and Thomas each getting plenty of opportunities in the fall. Having Sam B. Richardson at quarterback and an excellent trio of receivers, the Cyclones running backs should have plenty of opportunities to impress, particularly if the ISU offensive line can create open space for the trio. The Cyclones' running game will be improved but won't separate itself as one of the Big 12's best.