The Colorado Buffaloes' offense presents more two-back looks, with former four-star signing and power back Richard Young and returning runner Micah Welch looking like breakout stars. Other potential breakout backs include Devin Sanders and Brennan Marion.
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos running back Micah Welch against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Colorado Buffaloes have a big chance to flip one weakness into a strength.
Especially if certain personnel meshes right awayto run this system isn't just expected to benefit the wide receivers. Even with Marion's past area of expertise coming in wideout play.out of the backfield. Yet the returning Buffaloes rusher isn't the one breakout candidate inside the Colorado running back room. Here's who earns that title before the 2026 season.
Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama running back Richard Young celebrates scoring against UL Monroe at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images | Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images The former four-star signing for Nick Saban will tote the rock here in the hope of revitalizing his collegiate career. Young looks like he fits the power back mold with his stocky 5-11, 215-pound frame. Downhill running is a major emphasis for Marion's offense.
Except the former Crimson Tide back presents other physical attributes that speak to a breakout performance. The native of Lehigh Acres, Fla. , gashed defenses with a one-cut and go running style. He barrels past interior defensive lines with his power in tow.
He shows strong vision in knowing when to hit the jump cut and go upfield. Could be the next breakout star in a running back class that’s up for grabs after the top two. Has all the physical traits. He's played in a near similar offense before.
Although that came at the high school level which featured a mixture of Pistol and single back formations. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry not long ago in Tuscaloosa. But this change of scenery is expected to benefit him greatly. Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Welch and Young can do what the Buffs struggled to create in 2025: Form a powerful one-two backfield punch. Marion's offense presents more two-back looks, but sometimes featuring unique sidecar formation looks. Think of Auburn's scheme during the era of Cam Newton and when Gus Malzahn coordinated that offense. But with Marion's own twist on it.
Welch's experience and own running style is greatly needed here. This offense isn't built for only one running back to succeed. Marion has shown the "Go-Go" reaches its explosive best with multiple running backs wearing down defenders. Both Sacramento State and UNLV's ground attack acended to astronomical numbers through Marion, with the latter offense ranking as high as seventh nationally in average rushing yards per game.
All the more reason Welch's presence in this system is greatly needed next to Young. But both aren't the only one who can make this offense ignite. Sacramento State Hornets head coach Brennan Marion listens to one of the assistant coaches yell at players on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.
| Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesBecause both were toting the rock for Marion last season in Northern California, during Marion's first and only season as Sacramento State's head coach. Still, Young goes from next potential breakout back in Tuscaloosa to becoming the one who can really unlock this new offense. Look for Sanders and Marion to turn him loose early.
Lorenzo J Reyna is a sports writer for USC Trojans On SI and Colorado Buffaloes On SI. He brings nearly two decades of sports writing experience, including coverage of Cal, Stanford, San Jose State and Fresno State for 247Sports. He also wrote about an incoming high school freshman named Jayden Daniels before he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Washington Commanders.
Also known as "Zo" to his colleagues, his other writing credits include ClutchPoints, Athlon Sports, Roundtable, the Santa Maria Times and freelanced once for the Los Angeles Times. He enjoys living near a beach, having multiple cups of coffee, and listening to old school R&B/Hip-Hop in his down time. Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year Anthony Colandrea to Enter Transfer Portal
Colorado Buffaloes Offense Running Back Ian Marion Brennan Marion Crimson Tide Carlmont High School Sacramento State Northern California Northern Pacific University Historicroutes.Com Medicinecarnival.Org Sanjiangmetro.Com Replacementprosperity.Org
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