By CAYDEN SANDERS
The running backs on the Fort Hays State University football team will have a busy season as the coaching staff ponders a “running back by committee” approach.
The Tigers are dealing with replacing their workhorse the last few seasons in Adrian Soto.
“I have a lot of guys that I can throw into a game depending on the situation because each guy has their own skillset and does it well,” said Amari Angram-Boldin, an assistant on the staff starting his second season with FHSU.
The Tigers have four freshmen on the roster, with six redshirt freshmen or older players. The new running backs coach for the Tigers believes he can teach players more about the game than just technique.
“With me being an offensive lineman, I can help show them where the holes will form and be able to find them,” said Angram-Boldin, a three-time all-MIAA pick on the offensive line during his playing days at FHSU.
Angram-Boldin is putting his trust in Shane Watts and Travis Dixon. Both of the players had to earn the trust of their coach.
For Watts, a position change is a reason to gain trust. Ahead of his junior season, the De Soto High School product is making the switch from safety to running back. Watts kept pestering coach Angram-Boldin about the position in the spring. When fall camp started, he converted to the offensive side of the ball.
“I kept bugging coach about trying to make the switch over. I always wanted to show him my ability with the ball in my hand,” Watts said. “I am glad that coach gave me a chance to prove I can be a part of the offense.”
The road for Watts will be challenging.
“The first week of switching had its ups and downs, just like any other position getting back into the season,” he said. “There is still a lot of things to work on and get into the groove of being a college running back.”
Dixon, from Garden City Community College, transferred to the program in the spring. Shedding 10 to 15 pounds to get into ideal running back shape was a focus early on.
“Coming into my spring transfer into the program, I was a little heavy and I got back down to a healthy weight coming into fall camp after losing all those pounds,” he said.
Last season, Dixon saw the field five times and only played in the last five games for the Broncbusters. In those games, he averaged 53.5 yards a game with five touchdowns.
He is ready for the regular season to start.
“I can’t wait to see what the season brings for us,” Dixon said. “The running backs are doing the work, and we are super excited to get to work. I am also excited to see the talent level in the MIAA and what the hype is about.”
The Tigers are gearing up for another scrimmage at 9 a.m. Saturday before their first game at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at Northeastern State.
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