Houston Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
By Zach Bigalke
Running Backs
Starting running back: Duke Catalon
Backups: Dillon Birden
The most important skill player returning from last season’s Houston roster is Duke Catalon. The former Teas Longhorn redshirted his only season in Austin in 2014. After transferring to the Cougars, Catalon sat out 2015 before finally taking the field last year. As a redshirt sophomore, Catalon played in nine games and led the team with 528 rushing yards. He will be expected to shoulder more of the load on the ground this season.
Spelling Catalon on the field will be Dillon Birden. The junior college transfer was Houston’s leader in rushing touchdowns last year, and he enters his final year of eligibility looking to push Catalon for carries. Birden notched six touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. He could also offer potential as a receiver out of the backfield or in the slot on exotic looks.
The competition should benefit both backs. They will also be pushed further by sophomores Kevrin Justice and Mulbah Car. With question marks at quarterback, the Cougars could lean more on their running game. That would mean a greater wealth of carries to spread all around.