The struggle for the Colts’ backup running back position behind Jonathan Taylor was regarded as one of the more exciting training camp competitions.
However, after only five workouts, Trey Sermon has emerged as the clear front-runner for those snaps.
“The guys are getting a ton of different opportunities to do a lot of different things,” offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said following Wednesday’s practice. “I’m super excited to put the pads on now because we’re finding out a little bit.
“Those guys have to run through contact, really attack a hole, or attack and read, where they’re reading the linebacker, reading the defensive lineman, and they’re making that cut with some pads on, and we’re kind of seeing who can make that cut, who can find those creases, and who can’t. So, we’re learning a lot.
James Boyd of The Athleic recently said that Sermon appeared to have “solidified” himself as the backup running back. Boyd added that Sermon has taken the majority of the running back snaps with the second offense and has also seen some opportunities with the starters when Taylor needs to rest.
This news isn’t surprising, given that after minicamp, Stephen Holder, who covers the Colts for ESPN, identified Sermon as one of his surprise performers from those practices.
Although Sermon hasn’t had many carries in his career, he is the more experienced player when compared to Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson, with whom he competes. Sermon’s consistent ability to get the ball to the “right place,” as Cooter described it, reflects his experience.
Sermon brings a more muscular rushing style at the position, averaging 4.6 yards per carry on 35 tries in 2023 and roughly 3.0 yards after contact.
Of course, if any of these players are to be relied on on Sundays, they must meet certain requirements as ball carriers. However, two other crucial factors for these players are their ability to contribute in the passing game, either as a pass-catcher or a pass-blocker.
“As we go through camps, they’ll have a ton of opportunities to-you’ll see one-on-one pass routes,” Cooter told me. “You will see one-on-one blitz pickups against linebackers. Those will play an important role in how we evaluate those players as well.”
Early indicators point to Sermon being the first option following Taylor, which will allow him with numerous opportunities during the season, as teams in today’s NFL must have two quality running backs.
However, while things can change, assuming Sermons can maintain his backup role, there may still be some snaps open for Hull or Goodson to squeeze out some playing time this season, particularly in the passing game.
Earlier this offseason, Cooter praised Goodson’s ability to get open as a pass receiver, while Hull was a key contributor to Northwestern’s passing game in college, totaling over 100 targets in his final two seasons.
“So right now, hey, it’s a bunch of really hungry, eager guys that are fighting for every rep, man,” Cooter told the crowd. “They want every rep Coach DeAndre Smith can throw them in on, to make the most of it, and we’re watching, we’re evaluating every rep to see who can help us.”