Buccaneers on the Bubble: Running Backs

Speed kills in a passing league and speed is what was missing from the Bucs roster last season. Don’t get me wrong, Martin and Sims aren’t exactly Jerome Bettis but they aren’t Darren Sproles on the speed charts either.

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Several big plays couldn’t find the endzone because runners were caught from behind eventually and scoring is exactly what the Bucs needed more of.

A 4.38 40-yard time at the Missouri Pro Day definitely put Russell Hansbrough on the radar of teams in need of speed in their depth charts, and Tampa was the lucky team to land the four-year collegiate contributor.

While his junior season was easily his best year, he finished his career with 15 total touchdowns and more than 2,000 all-purpose yards despite never truly being “the man” as an SEC running back.

If he wants to make the active roster in 2016 Hansbrough will almost certainly have to show how he can provide an impact on special teams.

Last season’s kick return specialist Bobby Rainey is no longer on the roster and there’s no obvious choice for his replacement.  Special teams is how many young players get the chance to suit up, and Bucs’ fans will be ecstatic if this speed back can make enough of a spark to gain the position.

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