Isaih Pacheco

Our Countdown to Camp series moves on with another look at a key position group for Rutgers Football. Here is a closer look at the Rutgers running backs, who carry a lot of expectations heading into the 2019 season.

JR Raheem Blackshear

Rutgers has a surplus of talented running backs but make no mistake, Blackshear is the top guy heading into the season. He can be used in a variety of ways as he returns as the team's top rusher (586 yards). Blackshear's 44 receptions also led the entire team as offensive coordinator John McNulty will once again look to get him involved as much as possible in the offense. Blackshear will get his share of touches each week as he is one of the most dynamic players on the entire team. Adding the role of captain will elevate his status even higher this season as he is a prime example of hard work, efficiency and diligence.

SO Isaih Pacheco

Everything is setting up for this to be a true breakout season for Pacheco. Last year, he showed glimpses of being a dominant running back. His 80-yard touchdown run against Michigan was one of the top team highlights of the entire season. Coming out of Vineland High School, Pacheco's experience in the backfield was limited to playing quarterback. That made last year sort of an acclimation period. This year, he is bigger, stronger and more experienced at running back. With an extremely high talent level, this could be setting up for Pacheco's coming out party in the Big Ten. Along with Blackshear, Pacheco gives Rutgers a potent one-two punch at running back, coming off a season in which the duo combined for 1,137 rushing yards.

FR Aaron Young

A lot of excitement came with their commitment of Young, who was previously committed to Michigan State. He is the highest-rated recruit in the Rutgers football 2019 class and will be used right away. Young has a very good chance of being the team's punt and kick returner as well. Offensively, McNulty could use Young in a variety of ways as he can make guys miss in the open field, but also has a very good burst up the middle. His quickness and speed add another playmaker to the offense. There could also be situations where he finds himself on the field with Blackshear and Pacheco as McNulty has shown an inclination to put three running backs on the field at one time. This could be a very good freshman season for Young.

FR Kay'Ron Adams

While Young had more attention during his recruitment, Adams also has a high talent level and should not be underestimated. He is a little bigger than Young, but still possesses very good speed, quickness and wiggle. There is a good chance Adams will receive some touches this season as his arrival helped to make the running back position the deepest one on the Rutgers offense. And if the offensive line can control at wrenches, Rutgers could turn into a run-heavy offense. That would mean a lot of reps to go around and Adams could benefit from that. Also, keep in mind that running backs are injury-prone and should any of the other backs get dinged up, Rutgers may not lose a beat with a player like Adams seeing his role upgraded.

R-SO Elijah Barnwell

Barnwell may seem like the forgotten back in this bunch. His first year at Rutgers was marred by an ACL tear and he has been quietly working his way back ever since. Barnwell is more of a between-the-tackles runner who has good vision but does not possess breakaway speed. He will likely start out the season down in the pecking order, providing depth at the position. He will be one of the veterans, but may have to bide his time as there is just a lot of talent at the position. Barnwell tried his luck at linebacker last season and appeared in one game on special teams.