Why the Missouri Tigers’ running backs room is bigger than just one name in 2025

Ahmad Hardy might be the new face in Missouri’s backfield, but he’s not the only reason to be excited about the Tigers’ run game this fall.

A transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, Hardy arrived in Columbia with starting experience at the FBS level and the kind of traits that translate: decisiveness, toughness and an instinctive feel for MU’s zone-based run scheme.

So far in camp, he’s looked the part.

“He’s great. He’s a consistent player,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “He’s been in this system as far as running the outside zone, so he knows how to make the cuts. He has a good feel for it.”

Hardy isn’t just flashing the physical tools. His familiarity with stretch concepts has made him a natural fit with offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s playbook, which places a premium on vision and cutback ability.

Moore, now entering his third year leading Mizzou’s offense, said the staff is still experimenting with different run schemes during camp, but early signs point to Hardy thriving in the Tigers’ most-used concepts.

“We’re going to push the envelope in terms of stretch and having different variety,” Moore said. “But yeah, I do think his background helps.”

Drinkwitz also singled out a long run Hardy broke earlier this week, calling it a “big-time” moment.

That’s the ceiling. But Missouri’s run game won’t rest on one player.

Jamal Roberts brings trust, toughness

Redshirt sophomore Jamal Roberts may not be as explosive as Hardy, but he’s one of the most trusted players on the offense. His pass blocking, situational awareness and willingness to step in when needed make him a steadying presence in a room filled with new faces.

Moore called him a “glue guy,” pointing to Roberts’ role last season during two-minute drills and red zone drives.

“It’s one of those things that goes unnoticed,” Moore said. “But he’s doing it in huge moments.”

Roberts is expected to continue handling third-down responsibilities — not because of a lack of talent elsewhere, but because he’s simply that dependable.

Missouri has more depth at RB

Two more backs — redshirt junior Tavorus Jones and freshman Marquise Davis — round out a deep, versatile group.

Jones, now in his third year with the program, has looked sharper this fall. A former four-star recruit, he’s still fighting for consistent reps, and coaches have praised the work he’s done to stay ready.

Davis, meanwhile, offers perhaps the most raw upside of the group. At 6-foot, 213 pounds, the Cleveland native already looks like an SEC back.

Running backs coach Curtis Luper, who’s coached multiple 1,000-yard rushers at Mizzou, said this year’s group is “as physically talented” as he’s ever had — and pointed to Davis as someone who’s built differently than any freshman he’s coached.

Drinkwitz didn’t downplay Davis’ tools but made clear that the freshman still has a long way to go.

“We’ve got to learn how to practice,” Drinkwitz said. “All that talking in the summer really doesn’t matter anymore. It’s about what you do on the field.”

So far, Davis has shown flashes. But as pads come on and camp intensifies, the challenge becomes consistency — knowing assignments, finishing runs and earning trust.

A complete group of running backs

In 2023, Missouri leaned heavily on Cody Schrader, who turned a walk-on opportunity into a record-setting season.

Last fall, the Tigers attempted a split-back approach with Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll.

While Hardy has jumped to the forefront, don’t be fooled into thinking the rest of the depth chart won’t be productive. MU’s running backs room consists of legitimate talent and versatility heading into 2025.

“All of our running backs have looked great,” junior offensive lineman Cayden Green said. “They’ve shown some pretty positive flashes. And I’m excited, when we get to start hitting, to see what they can do.”

Mizzou’s offensive identity under Moore has always included the run game. Now, it’s not just about the system, it’s about the options. And this year, there’s no shortage of them.

“There’s going to be opportunities in the trenches,” Moore said. “And we’ve got a room that’s built for that.”

Copyright 2025 Columbia Missourian

This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM.