Heading into the 2008 season, Duane Bennett is likely to be the starting running back for the Gophers.  While Bennett will likely accumulate the most carries by the end of the season, a healthy Jay Thomas may suprise many with a solid junior year.  Thomas was sidetracked in 2006 and 2007 by knee injuries, and while showing flashes of high level performance he wasn’t able to see the field enough to adequately showcase his skills.

Jay Thomas was a Rivals.com three star recruit and ranked the 18th best all-purpose back in the nation coming out of high school.  At Minnesota’s Tartan High School, he rushed for a school record 1549 yards in 2004.  He had very good speed and was an accomplished sprinter.  After redshirting in 2005, he was predicted by some to pick up where Barber and Maroney had left off.  Unfortunately for Thomas, he was derailed by season ending knee injuries requiring ACL surgery in two consecutive seasons.  Success in 2008 will likely be determined by his ability to avoid injury and handle the physical punishment of Big Ten football.

In order for the Gophers to be successful this year, they must have depth at running back.  Duane Bennett and Jay Thomas could be an effective running back duo, with a few other newcomers ensuring that the depth charts aren’t shallow.  If Jay Thomas can stay healthy for a full season, he has the talent to become a very good running back in the Big Ten.