Our second look in our upgrade/downgrade series is taking a look at running back. An area where the Gophers have been strong in the very recent years after going 2006-2012 without a 1,000 yard rusher. But David Cobb rushed for back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2013 and 2014 before handing the lead back role to a combination of Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks for the last three years. Smith is back for one more year, is his return alone enough for this to be an upgrade at running back?
The only significant graduation is Koby McCrary, the JUCO transfer who ended up being a career backup to the backup.