Over the past two seasons, Kevin Parks racked up 1,776 rushing yards for the Virginia football team. That Jeffersonian total represented 50% of the team’s 3,532 rushing yards. Parks, along with fellow senior Khalek Shepherd, has finished his career though so it’s time for a new sheriff in town.

The leading candidate is likely a deputy from the past two seasons in Taquan Mizzell. The junior split back-up duties fairly evenly with Shepherd the past two seasons and he is expected to step in as a featured back this season. Mizzell’s 109 carries and 464 yards aren’t eye-popping, particularly as a five-star recruit that instantly ends up under the microscope, but a reasonable 4.3 yards per carry isn’t disastrous for a reserve back either. Last season’s 4.38 yards per carry average a year ago ranked 26th in the ACC.

Plus, Mizzell has 68 career receptions for 435 yards and that makes him a viable threat to motion out of the back field or simply line up as a receiver at times. In 2014, he became a key target on third downs as he made nine catches for first downs during the season. Add in Mizzell’s potential value as a returner on special teams and it could be a breakout opportunity.

First, Mizzell needs to capitalize on the top task as the primary running back. Gain yards consistently, avoid fumbles, and then handle pass protection duties when asked. New running back coach Chris Beatty has emphasized all of those things since arriving in January and has challenged Mizzell to lose the wiggle in search of sizzle. Beatty’s base mantra is that the first three to four yards belong to the offensive line and the scheme and then you can go for a big gain.

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