As a Boise State running back, you can pretty much pencil yourself in for 1,000 yards and five to 10 touchdowns because the Bronco offense is a machine, no matter who is pushing the buttons. In fact, go ahead and use a Sharpie. You should be safe.
D.J. Harper is the 1,000-yard back of destiny this season, and due to a number of factors, he could threaten to top the running back output of last year's RB star Doug Martin. Can he do it?
Can D.J. Harper top Doug Martin's 1,299 yards?
Vote in the poll and share some opinions in the comments. My flip-flopping take follows.
You bet he can!
Harper is the one sure thing this Bronco offense has going, and you can expect him to get the ball early and often and late and frequently. Consider this: Harper's career yards-per-carry average is 5.1, and if he matches Martin's carries total from a year ago, he'll finish with 1,341 yards. He's got an experienced offensive line and a big play burst. He's going to rush for 1,300 yards easy.
No way D.J. Harper outrushes Doug Martin, you heretics!
Even if Harper gets as many or more carries than Martin did, who's to say that opposing defenses won't load the box and make TBD quarterback beat them? No doubt Harper will be a workhorse, but there are other end results for workhorses besides 1,300-yard rushing seasons. Take into account the injury risk (even one game out might derail his Martin pursuit) and the job share with Drew Wright et al, and you have yourself a tough row to hoe, whatever that means.