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.
NEWS: Morgan Ellison has been "indefinitely suspended" from all football activities at IU. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) August 24, 2018
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.