Breaking Down The Cowboys Running Backs For 2015
Sep 6, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Rennie Childs (23) scores a touchdown against the Missouri State Bears during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2. Rennie Childs – Junior
Rennie Childs saw some significant playing time as a freshman, and showed a few impressive bursts of potential playing behind Jeremy Smith and Desmond Roland. He ran for 189 yards on 41 carries as a freshman, reaching the endzone one time. Childs was expected to be a major contributor in 2014, but failed to post more than 10 carries in a game after the third week of the season. Once it became evident that the offensive line was lacking when conference play began, the Cowboys were forced to rely more on the combination of Hill’s breakneck speed along with Roland’s bruising running style, and Childs became more of an afterthought.
Childs recorded 294 yards on 78 carries with three touchdowns in 2014. Not quite the season we expected out of him, but then again, that could be said about more than one Cowboy last season.
Childs, like a lot of other players, finished the season on a solid note. His 34 yards against Washington in the Cactus Bowl was his third-highest total of the season, and he also caught his only pass of the season on a great connection with Rudolph, displaying excellent downfield vision and patience with blockers.
Although his 2014 campaign was kind of a dud, it doesn’t change the fact that Childs is Mike Gundy’s most experienced returning running back. With Chris Carson having to miss spring practice, the pressure is on right now for the Houston native to lead the way heading in to 2015. Childs had a solid spring, highlighted by an 83 yard performance in the Orange-White game, so the signs are there.
In a comment posted to an article about Childs in January by way of The Oklahoman, his mother Kassandra even assured everyone what her son would be ready to go:
Which in turn prompted this profound and honest response:
Well then. Cowboy fans can only hope that “fine” equals returning to the top of the conference’s rushing rankings, with Childs playing a big part.
Next: Chris Carson