Indiana Football: Who will replace Morgan Ellison after suspension?

Indiana football announced it would be suspending sophomore running back Morgan Ellison indefinitely, but who’ll replace him?

After a strong true freshman season season where he finished with just over 700 yards and six touchdowns, Morgan Ellison looked primed to break out as a sophomore with a potential 1,000-yard campaign.

Indiana got a steal in the 2017 recruiting class as Ellison was one of the most underrated backs in the nation but he proved to be more than serviceable when given a shot as a freshman.

On Friday, Ellison was suspended indefinitely from all football activities.

The coaching staff didn’t give reasoning for the suspension, but it must have been something serious to be denied any football activities, especially as a projected starter.

So where do the Hoosiers go from here without a starting running back? Who will replace Ellison in the season opener at FIU?

There are a few options for Indiana. Sophomore Cole Gest could be the top option after rushing for 428 yards and a touchdown last season. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and was the second-leading rusher behind Ellison as a fellow freshman.

Best should be the favorite to start, but if the Hoosiers decide to go a different route, Ricky Brookins could be an interesting option. The senior had just 11 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown, but added 19 receptions for another 124 yards. He’s a dynamic multi-threat running back who could add another dimension to the offense and aid Peyton Ramsey.

Mike Majette has been injury-ridden, but he, too, can catch the ball out of the backfield while freshman Stevie Scott is a dark-horse contender as a 6-2, 235-pound bruising back.

If Indiana had to choose today, Gest would likely be the starter, and no one can fault that choice as he’s the best option.