Heading into the 2024 season, Miami Dolphins running backs coach Eric Studesville faces an enviable dilemma. The team has an abundance of talented running backs, yet there remains only one football to go around during games. This wealth of options in the backfield presents a unique challenge for the Dolphins’ seasoned position coach.
The Miami Dolphins’ running back unit boasts impressive depth, including Raheem Mostert, who eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing, and De’Von Achane, a dynamic second-year player who tallied 800 yards and eight touchdowns on just 112 carries last season. The squad is further bolstered by reliable veterans Chris Brooks and Jeff Wilson Jr., and the addition of Jaylen Wright, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, only adds to the team’s embarrassment of riches at the position.
Studesville, the Dolphins’ longest-serving position coach since 2018 and the only one to have worked under the team’s past three head coaches—Adam Gase, Brian Flores, and Mike McDaniel—believes this is the deepest group of running backs he has had during his tenure. Last season, under his guidance, the Dolphins ranked sixth in the league in rushing yards per game (135.8) and rushing yards per play (5.06). With the new addition of Wright, the team looks to continue pushing the boundaries of their successful ground game.
Despite the competitive nature of professional football, the running backs room has fostered a collaborative and supportive environment. Studesville highlighted how the group, which could easily fall into selfishness given the desire of each player to be the primary ball carrier, has instead shown remarkable unselfishness and commitment to team success. The integration of rookie Jaylen Wright into the group exemplifies this team-first attitude, with veterans like Mostert, Wilson, and fullback Alec Ingold readily offering guidance and support.
As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season, how the team plans to utilize its stacked running back lineup remains to be seen. Studesville emphasized the need for patience and flexibility, acknowledging that the distribution of carries might evolve as the season progresses. For now, the focus is on harnessing the collective talent of the running backs in pursuit of team goals, a testament to the quality of individuals within the group and the coaching staff’s ability to foster unity and camaraderie among players competing for the same opportunities.