Virginia Tech's running back situation beginning to shape up

Jackson Didlake

September 8, 2020

BLACKSBURG — With the recent appeal decision giving redshirt junior Raheem Blackshear immediate eligibility, the Virginia Tech running back situation is beginning to come into focus.

“I’m excited about them,” Hokies head coach Justin Fuente said about his running backs. “You can’t help but get a little bit excited about what those guys may be able to do, and we’re going to need all of them.”

“All the guys in our room are great — the young guys, the older guys, me," senior running back Jalen Holston said. "You put anyone back there and we’re going to produce.

"This is probably the best running back room since I’ve been here," Holston added.

The Hokies group in the backfield will look quite different compared to last season, with Blackshear and graduate Khalil Herbert transferring into the program. Additionally, Holston is back to full health after suffering a broken ankle in last year's season opener against Boston College.

“I felt it, but I thought I just tweaked my ankle,” Holston said. After working to get back to full strength, Holston said he finally reached 100% “around when spring ball would have started.”

Fuente expects Holston to play a role on the team, wherever that may be.

“I think he’s going to be a contributor, not just at tailback, on this football team,” he said. “He’s more than capable at punt returner and kickoff returner. I think he’ll have a role there.”

Holston rushed for over 200 yards in his first two seasons in Blacksburg. He has had his fair share of experience, helping him take over a leadership role this season.

“I want to step in the role of leadership, helping those young guys come along and getting the whole team right,” Holston said. When my number is called, I’m going to come play.”

After four seasons at Kansas, Khalil Herbert joined Tech's running back room this offseason. He rushed for 1,735 during his time with the Jayhawks, including 384 yards in only four games in 2019 before deciding to redshirt.

Now as a Hokie, Herbert intends to do whatever he can to help the team.

"I’m looking forward to the chance of getting to play," Herbert said. "Whatever they need me to do, I’m here to do. Whether it’s coaching up some of the young guys or running special teams, I’m here for it."

Herbert also pointed out how well the offensive line has performed this offseason.

"There are definitely some big holes," Herbert said. "It’s a lot of experience coming back and you can tell that they’ve worked together with each other. Seeing the experience up front helps me slow things down because I’m able to just read and go."

Another offseason transfer from a power five school, former Rutgers standout Raheem Blackshear was originally denied immediate eligibility on August 14. On Tuesday, September 1, Blackshear won his appeal and was granted eligibility for this fall.

"It was fun to see the team excited and rally around Raheem and his eligibility,” Fuente said. "He has receiver skill sets and also he’s still a physical player. [He] can line up and play running back. I think what makes him unique is his intelligence.”

Blackshear is going to be a wild card for Fuente and company due to his versatility on offense. Not only is he skilled in the backfield, but he can also make plays in the slot. The Philadelphia native said that he tries to model his dynamic game after Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and his friend, Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift.

“I like both positions the same. I can do both, why not try to do both,” Blackshear said. “I just want to come in and contribute to my team to help them be successful.”

“He’s the speedster, quick, cutting on a dime," Holston commented on Blackshear. "You can put him anywhere on the field.”

The three look to head a Virginia Tech backfield that is full of other talent, most notably Keshawn King, who rushed for 340 yards last season as a freshman.