Colorado looking for running backs to excel in pass protection

Colorado’s running backs will play a big part in keeping Shedeur Sanders upright

When most people think of running backs being involved in the passing game, they usually think of Reggie Bush or Christian McCaffrey splitting out wide and catching the ball. But the Colorado Buffaloes’ running backs should try and emulate Terrell Davis’ pass-protection skills if they want to see the field.

Second-year CU running backs coach Gary “Flea” Harrell met with the media on Monday and spoke about the competition at his position group and how his players must learn to play with superstar quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Here’s what coach Flea had to say when asked about how his running backs will factor into Colorado’s passing game:

“Protection,” Harrell said. “If you can’t protect with the O-line and fit in where you need to fit in, if you’re blowing assignments and your guy is sacking our most valuable player, you won’t be in the game. So that’s where it starts. We’re runners. We’re gonna be able to run the football (and) we’re gonna know our assignments. But protection and ball security are the top two things. So to your question, you got to pass protect, understand the protection and (know) where you fit in with the O-line.”

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