Shaun Alexander Shares His Thoughts on the Changing Role of Running Backs in College Football

By Staff Writer

SEATTLE — Few players understand the value of the running back position better than former NFL MVP and college football legend Shaun Alexander. During a recent appearance at a youth football leadership summit, the former star reflected on how dramatically the role of running backs has evolved in college football over the past two decades.

Alexander, who rose to prominence as one of the most dominant rushers in football history, believes today’s running backs face a landscape that is both more challenging and more exciting than the one he experienced during his playing days.

“The game hasn’t stopped changing,” Alexander said. “When I was coming up, a great running back could be the centerpiece of an offense. Today, running backs are being asked to do a little bit of everything.”

His comments come at a time when college football offenses continue to embrace spread formations, rapid tempo attacks, and pass-heavy philosophies. While elite runners still play a critical role, their responsibilities often extend far beyond carrying the football.

 

 

From Workhorses to Multi-Dimensional Playmakers

For decades, college football teams relied heavily on bell-cow running backs who could carry the ball 25 or 30 times per game. Programs built their identities around dominant ground attacks, and many future NFL stars developed reputations through sheer volume.

Alexander noted that modern offenses place a premium on versatility.

“Coaches want players who can line up anywhere,” he explained. “You might start in the backfield, motion out wide, catch a screen pass, pick up a blitz, and then run inside zone on the next play. That’s a different skill set.”

According to Alexander, the best running backs entering college today often resemble hybrid athletes capable of impacting multiple phases of the offense. Rather than focusing solely on rushing yards, coaches increasingly evaluate receiving ability, pass protection, football intelligence, and route-running.

“It’s not enough to just be powerful anymore,” he said. “You have to be complete.”

 

 

 

This shift has led many high school athletes to train differently. Instead of specializing exclusively as runners, prospects spend additional time developing receiving skills and studying defensive coverages.

Alexander believes this trend ultimately benefits players.

“If you can do more things, you create more opportunities for yourself,” he said. “That’s true in football and in life.”

The Influence of Analytics

One factor Alexander identified as a major driver of change is the rise of analytics.

Data-driven decision-making has become commonplace across all levels of football. Coaches now analyze efficiency metrics, explosive-play rates, and expected points added when designing offensive game plans.

As a result, teams often prioritize chunk plays through the air while using the running game strategically to complement the passing attack.

Alexander acknowledged that some former players have mixed feelings about this evolution.

“There are people who miss seeing a running back get 35 carries,” he said with a laugh. “I understand that. Those games were fun. But coaches are always trying to find advantages.”

Rather than viewing analytics as a threat to the position, Alexander sees them as an opportunity.

“If the numbers say a running back who catches six passes is more valuable than one who catches none, then players need to develop that skill,” he explained.

He emphasized that adaptability has always been a hallmark of successful athletes.

“The players who last are usually the players who evolve.”

NIL and the New Era of Opportunity

Another major topic Alexander discussed was the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities, commonly known as NIL.

For generations, college athletes had limited opportunities to profit from their personal brands. Today’s stars can build significant followings and secure endorsement deals before ever reaching the professional level.

Alexander believes running backs are uniquely positioned to benefit.

“Fans love playmakers,” he said. “Running backs touch the ball a lot, and when they make people miss, everyone remembers it.”

He encouraged young athletes to think carefully about building their public image.

“Your reputation matters. Your character matters. People don’t just invest in talent anymore—they invest in people.”

At the same time, Alexander warned against becoming distracted by outside opportunities.

“The most important thing is still your performance on the field and your growth as a person,” he said. “Everything else comes after that.”

The Physical Toll Remains

Despite changes in offensive strategy, Alexander argues that one aspect of the position remains unchanged: the physical demands.

Running backs continue to absorb significant contact throughout games and seasons.

“Football is still football,” he said. “If you’re carrying the ball between the tackles, you’re going to take hits.”

He expressed admiration for today’s athletes, noting that the speed and athleticism of modern defenses have reached unprecedented levels.

“Defenders are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever. Running backs are dealing with incredible athletes every week.”

Because of that reality, Alexander believes player development programs should place greater emphasis on recovery, nutrition, and injury prevention.

“The smartest players understand that taking care of your body is part of your job.”

He pointed to advances in sports science as one of the most positive developments in modern football.

“Players today have access to information and resources we could only dream about.”

Recruiting Has Changed Too

The former star also highlighted changes in recruiting practices.

In previous generations, coaches often focused heavily on measurable statistics such as rushing yards and touchdowns. While production remains important, modern evaluations tend to be more comprehensive.

Recruiters now examine film in extraordinary detail, studying how players react in different situations and how they contribute when the ball is not in their hands.

Alexander believes this broader evaluation process rewards complete athletes.

“Effort shows up on film,” he said. “How you block, how you finish runs, how you support teammates—it all matters.”

He added that character assessments have become increasingly important.

“Talent gets attention, but leadership earns trust.”

The Importance of Patience

One of the most interesting observations Alexander shared involved the mental side of the position.

Many young players, he said, struggle with patience in an era dominated by highlight clips and instant reactions.

Running back success often depends on waiting for blocks to develop and trusting offensive schemes.

“Everybody wants the spectacular play,” he said. “But sometimes the best run is four yards.”

Alexander explained that patience separates good runners from great ones.

“The great backs understand timing. They understand leverage. They understand when to accelerate.”

He compared the position to a chess match.

“You have to process information quickly while staying disciplined.”

Why the Position Still Matters

Although some analysts argue that running backs have become less important in modern football, Alexander strongly disagrees.

He believes elite runners continue to influence games in ways that statistics cannot always capture.

“A great running back changes how defenses think,” he said.

Defensive coordinators often alter formations, personnel packages, and blitz strategies to account for dangerous rushing threats. Even when a running back does not receive a large number of carries, his presence can create opportunities elsewhere.

Alexander pointed to balance as a key ingredient in championship-caliber offenses.

“The best teams can beat you multiple ways.”

He noted that when weather conditions deteriorate or games become highly physical, the ability to run effectively remains invaluable.

“There will always be moments when you need to impose your will.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Toward the end of his appearance, Alexander offered advice to aspiring running backs hoping to succeed at the collegiate level.

First, he encouraged players to embrace versatility.

“Learn every part of the game.”

Second, he stressed the importance of education.

“Understand defenses. Understand schemes. Don’t just memorize plays.”

Third, he emphasized character and leadership.

“People remember how you treat others.”

Finally, he urged young athletes to maintain perspective.

“Football can open doors, but it shouldn’t define your entire identity.”

Alexander said the lessons learned through sports often matter more than wins and losses.

“Discipline, teamwork, perseverance—those things stay with you forever.”

Looking Ahead

As college football continues to evolve, the role of the running back will likely keep changing as well. Offensive innovation, technology, analytics, and player development trends are reshaping the sport at an unprecedented pace.

Yet Alexander remains confident that the position will continue to thrive.

“The game needs playmakers,” he said. “Running backs have always been playmakers.”

Whether lining up in traditional formations, catching passes in open space, or serving as versatile offensive weapons, the next generation of runners will face new expectations and new opportunities.

For Alexander, that’s not a sign of decline—it’s evidence of growth.

“The position isn’t disappearing,” he said. “It’s expanding.”

And if his vision proves accurate, the future of college football’s running backs may be more dynamic than ever.