The following feature on the running backs is the seventh installment of position by position on the Wayne State football program.

The WSU running game played a key part last season's success as it ranked eighth nationally (233.7 yards per game).  The Warriors contingent will try to duplicate the feat, but gone is All-American and Harlon Hill Trophy winner Joique Bell and replacing him will be tough.  Josh Renel and Toney Davis should share time at the position.

“Right now, Toney (Davis) looks like he would get 15 carries a game and Josh (Renel) maybe five to 10, but after that who knows,” stated head coach Paul Winters.

Renel and Davis look poised to replace Bell at running back. In the past two seasons, Renel has shown playmaking ability as a returner where he averaged 24.4 yards on kickoff returns and 9.9 yards on punt returns. He also averaged 6.9 yards a carry on 24 rushing attempts last season. “He had a good off-season coming off his surgery. We'll see how he runs from a conditioning standpoint, but we know he'll contribute as a receiver, a return man and as a running back.”

“Toney Davis is a good football player and we're excited about him,” Winters added. “Jordan Kidd is a guy who is a jack of all trades and will help us in a lot of different positions. He will be the holder again."

Three of the four fullbacks are redshirt freshmen (Adams, MacLean and Privett) with redshirt junior Matt Maus the only one with collegiate experience.

The running backs corps consist of senior Mark Pettaway, juniors Jordan Kidd and Josh Renel, and a trio of redshirt freshmen in Toney Davis, Tarek Flowers and Jessie Johnson.

Head coach and running backs coach Paul Winters thoughts on each player (alphabetically):

Jake Adams (FB, 6-4, 230, r-Fr.) -- "Jake is a big tough blocker and runner, who will redshirt in 2010."

Toney Davis (RB, 5-10, 205, r-Fr.) -- "Toney is an explosive runner with balance and power."

Tarek Flowers (RB, 5-11, 189, r-Fr.) -- "Tarek will redshirt in 2010."

Jessie Johnson (RB, 5-10, 220, r-Fr.) -- "Jessie is a power runner with good size and great feet.  He has good vision."

Jordan Kidd (RB, 5-10, 209, Jr., 2L) -- "Jordan is another runner with good feet and vision to find the hole.  A good receiver as well."

Tim MacLean (FB, 5-10, 244, r-Fr.) -- "Tim is a former defensive lineman who will compete because of his strength and toughness.

Matt Maus (FB, 6-0, 220, r-Jr., 2L) -- "Matt returns as the back-up fullback.  He has improved with a good off-season in the weight room and will contribute on all special teams."

Mark Pettaway (RB, 5-10, 193, Sr.) -- "Mark runs with power and quickness.  He will improve as he learns the offense."

Chet Privett (FB, 5-10, 222, r-Fr.) -- "Chet has won the fullback job with great effort and power.  He uses his quickness to enhance the run and pass game."

Josh Renel (RB, 5-8, 187, Jr., 2L) -- "Josh is an excellent receiver, runner and blocker."