LSU running back Terrence Magee could be bitter. As a senior, this should be his season to shine as the feature runner in the Tigers’ offense. Yet, freshman Leonard Fournette is the running back generating all the buzz around the program.
Magee may not be the team’s starter this season, but he sees the value of having a strong stable of running backs.
“It’s always been running back-by-committee at LSU,” Magee told ESPN.com’s Alex Scarborough. “Everyone is going to get their fair share of carries. But at the same time, everyone in our backfield are team-oriented guys. Whatever is in the best interest of the team, that’s what I’m willing to do. If that means me taking 15 carries or taking five carries, then I’m for it.”
Magee actually fed the hype machine which surrounds Fournette by comparing the nation’s No. 1 running back recruit to former Oklahoma great Adrian Peterson.
“I honestly don’t think I’m putting too much on him,” Magee said. “I truly feel that he can do it. He’s proven himself in high school, and in a few more weeks everyone will get to see what he can do on the college level.”
While Fournette isn’t guaranteed to start this season, the freshman is expected to become the primary ball carrier. With that said -- Magee and fellow senior Kenny Hilliard were able to rush for a combined 936 yards last season behind Jeremy Hill. Each back was given a handful of carries each game, and they can expect the same this season.
“I think that’s an advantage,” LSU head coach Les Miles said. “If you look at Terrence Magee, we’ve gotten them tired. There have been times when he just busted a big run, took significant contact. Kenny Hilliard had just played. In fact, we will need those guys that have fresh legs. I think you can always kind of count on that from us.”