Mizzou Spring Football: The Return of Henry Josey

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Spring practice began yesterday for the Missouri Tigers. Today I will continue my series breaking down each position by focusing on the running back’s and the return of Henry Josey.

The biggest news this spring running back wise, is the return of Henry Josey. Josey missed the entire 2012 season after tearing his ACL, MCL, and patella tendon late in the 2011 season. Josey began the 2011 season as the 3rd string running back, but quickly became one of the most explosive backs in all of college football.

Josey busted out in the 3rd game of the 2011 season, when he ran for 263 yards and three touchdowns against Western Illinois. Josey finished the year with 1,168 yards, 9 touchdowns, and averaged 8.06 yards per carry.

Head Coach Gary Pinkel has said that Josey is healthy and is ready for spring practice. According to Pinkel, Josey recently ran 4.44 in the 40 yard dash. He’s currently listed as the No. 3 running back on the current depth chart.

The current running back at the top of the depth chart is Marcus Murphy. The Junior running back ran for 251 yards on 46 carries in 2012. Sophomore Russell Hansbrough is currently listed as the No. 2 running back.

Hansbrough was one of Mizzou’s top recruits in the 2012 class and earned decent playing time in his true freshman season. Hansbrough ran for 139 yards on 37 carries.

Best RB in 2013:  I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s Henry Josey. Bearing any setbacks, it appears Josey will be healthy going into the 2013 season. He’s currently listed as the No. 3 back on the depth chart so he still has a lot to prove, but if he’s anything like he was in 2011 then it won’t take long before he’s moved up to No. 1 on the depth chart.

Breakout RB in 2013: Russell Hansbrough. I like what I saw out of Hansbrough in his freshman season and I expect him to get more carries this year. According to Pinkel, Hansbrough ran a 4.3 40-yard dash when they were timed recently. He needs to improve his ball security, but I do think he could be a very solid back for Mizzou in 2013.

What to Watch This Spring:  Which running back finishes the spring No. 1 on the depth chart doesn’t intrigue me near as much as Henry Josey’s health. I’m anxious to see how his knee holds up, and how explosive he looks on the field. Pinkel has stated that we will see less empty backfields this fall, so I take that as meaning the running game will be more of a priority for the Tigers in 2013.

So who do you guys think is the best running back for the Tigers? Do you think Josey can return to his 2011 form? Let your voice be heard.