Kenny Dillingham has outlined a strategy for utilizing the running back talent amassed by himself and offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo as they head into their second season at Arizona State. Speaking on the 247Sports Unfiltered podcast, Dillingham suggested that the Sun Devils, boasting returner
Cameron Skattebo alongside transfers Raleek Brown from USC and Alton McCaskill from Colorado, may adopt a schematic approach reminiscent of his time at Memphis with Mike Norvel. During their tenure, Memphis enjoyed a formidable rushing attack and ranked among the top 10 teams in scoring and total offense.
Dillingham anticipates employing a significant amount of two-back formations, akin to what they utilized at Memphis and briefly at Oregon in 2022. Despite the contrast in conference strength (AAC versus Power 5), Memphis excelled, averaging over 45 points per game in 2017 and nearly 43 points in 2018, with a potent rushing game featuring dual running backs.
Notably, Dillingham’s debut season as offensive coordinator at Memphis saw the team amass almost 280 rushing yards per game, led by Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor Jr.
The upcoming season for the Sun Devils holds promise despite a challenging prior year. The offensive line is more experienced, complementing the talented running back group, which includes standout performers like McCaskill and Brown. Additionally, quarterbacks Sam Leavitt and Jeff Sims add mobility to the offense, reminiscent of Norvell’s 2013 ASU offense.
Dillingham emphasizes the importance of a robust rushing game to alleviate pressure on the quarterback, a philosophy grounded in his belief that success hinges on a balanced offensive approach. Ultimately, he stresses the imperative of progress, underscoring the significance of establishing a winning culture at Arizona State.
