15 years ago, nearly every NFL team utilized a bell cow running back. They might insert the occasional change-of-pace tailback on third down who specialized in catching screens, but not necessarily on every drive. Now, almost every NFL team utilizes two or even three ball carriers in addition to a screen-catching specialist. Some teams even employ a back only for goal-line situations, much to the frustration of the team’s starting running back’s fantasy owners.
During the Mark Stoops era, Kentucky football has been more in line with the old-school style of running back depth chart utilization, and for good reason.