The Cowboys enter 2015 with a lot of question marks at the running back position. These five players hope to answer them.

Oct 19, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Rennie Childs (23) rushes up field against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Over the years, the Cowboys have seen their fair share of talented running backs, perhaps even more so in recent times. Tatum Bell, Dantrell Savage, Kendall Hunter, Joseph Randle — It seems that nearly every year in the Gundy era, when the time comes for a starting tailback to move on, someone is already lying in wait, and Cowboy fans always assume that someone will emerge the next year to carry the torch, be it junior college transfer or underclassman. No matter what else goes on with the team, the Cowboys at least always have a running back (or two), right?

But that wasn’t the case last season.

Sure, Tyreek Hill delivered for the most part, But we all know what happened there. Desmond Roland was servicable, but not spectacular. Rennie Childs was barely a blip. By season’s end, Oklahoma State was 7th in the conference, behind teams like Texas Tech and West Virginia. Texas Tech and West Virginia.

Strange territory indeed.

The Cowboys enter the 2015 season with a huge amount of optimism, and rightfully so. Gundy and company turned around what was an incredibly downer, injury-riddled 2014 rebuilding season with victories over Oklahoma and Washington. Mason Rudolph appears to be the real deal. The offensive line can’t possibly be as bad as 2014. The wide receiver position is as deep as any team’s in the conference, maybe even the deepest. The defense is being hailed as the best in the Big 12. Based off of this, one could say the biggest question mark for the Cowboys this season is at running back.

Again, strange territory.

These five players will be tasked with returning the Cowboy running game back to prominence, and playing a huge role in the Cowboys’ optimism-filled 2015 season.