WATCH: Purdue's Jeff Brohm said a ridiculous number of RBs will see regular playing time
Everyone knows that Jeff Brohm is bringing a new offense to Purdue. And it’s going to be a breath of fresh air for everyone involved.
But one of the potential changes Brohm is making is a bit head-scratching. At least if you’re a college football traditionalist.
Brohm told reporters that as many as five (FIVE!) running backs could regular playing time this season. That’s a lot of “regular” ball-carriers in any offense.
Head coach @JeffBrohm thinks there are 5 running backs who could see regular playing time. That and more from Monday's practice! #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/3rHVeE8gq9
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) August 14, 2017
“I think we’ll be able to use two backs in the games at times,” Brohm told reporters. “I think on third down situations certain backs will go in…two minute situations, behind in the game situations, certain backs will go in. I think on short yardage a different back will go in.
“So I think they all will have a role…I think they’ll all play to a certain degree.”
Purdue ranked last in the B1G and 125th nationally in rushing offense last season, averaging a paltry 96.2 yards per game. Sophomore Markell Jones was the primary ball-carrier, rushing for 616 yards and four touchdowns.
It may seem unorthodox, but maybe having that many running backs isn’t such a bad thing for a team that has struggled to run the football and hasn’t won more than three games in a season since 2012.