New running backs coach RJ Fleming joined the Texas State football program around the time spring ball got underway at the beginning of March.
 
The longtime wide receivers coach who is overseeing a running backs group for the first time knew he had to challenge his new group from the start.
 
So, on his first day on the job at Texas State, Fleming asked the group what did they want to accomplish in 2022.
 
Their answer?
 
2K
 
As in, the running backs will combine for 2,000 total yards. However they do it, they want to be accountable to that level of contribution to the offense this season.
 
This past year, the running backs contributed around 1,600 yards rushing and receiving. While it will take a jump in that number to hit the goal this season, the group feels it is more than attainable because of how the group goes about its work every day so far in spring ball.
 
"My guys show up every day with a great approach," said Fleming. "They're business-like minded. They want to be great. They want to be coached. They challenge me from an everyday perspective of making sure I'm consistent in my approach as well."
 
While Fleming is less than a month on the job, he has been able to see his group of six running backs respond to his message.
 
"They don't necessarily care what you know until they know that you care first and foremost," said Fleming. "The first month, my whole objective was to make sure they know I'm bought into the whole person. I can definitely see that they're responding to that."
 
And what does Fleming speak to his group most often about?
 
"I talk to the guys every day about three P's: pro mentality, protection – which protection of the football and protection of the quarterback – and then produce when the ball is in your hands," said Fleming. "They hear me say that every single day. It's almost like a prayer for us."
 
Highlighting the running backs are key returners redshirt sophomore Calvin Hill and redshirt junior Jahmyl Jeter. Hill, the team's leading rusher from a year ago, has shown Fleming he is improving even coming off last season's success on an individual level. And that comes down to how Hill is.
 
"Calvin is one of the most selfless people I've been around," said Fleming. "He wants to make plays, but most importantly, he wants to win."
 
While Hill is the leading returning rusher standing at 5-7, his teammate and fellow running back Jeter, standing at 6-0, is the opposite in build and play. But Fleming sees what is really deep down in Jeter.
 
"(Jeter's) got this quiet, humble approach to everything that he does," said Fleming. "But behind those pads, he's an absolute dog."
 
With Hill and Jeter leading the way, all the running backs are looking to play a bigger role in this year's offense. And while spots are to be defined as the team works towards the season opener on September 3 at Nevada, Fleming's assessment of his group is simple.
 
"Competitive as heck, but everyone wants to accomplish the same thing," said Fleming.
 
And for head coach Jake Spavital, who also addressed the media after Thursday's spring practice, he likes what he sees in a very important element of the whole offense.
 
"I'm really pleased with this running back group," said Spavital. "I think it's going to be a really fun group to watch next (season)."
 
Head coach Jake Spavital
Transcription from his post-practice press conference
 
On today's practice…
Like I talked about on Tuesday about trying to get acclimated again, getting back into the swing of things because of spring break. Today, we kind of compartmentalized and had some team periods that were really focused on areas of the game. We did a blitz period, a run play action – RPO – period, and then we played red zone. We're hitting a lot of different phases of the game so we can put it down on Saturday. We'll be comfortable as coordinators of having everything in the playbook so you can call it in the scrimmage. Today was a pretty competitive practice. I thought Tuesday the offense did a really good job of coming out competing and the defense brought it today. Everyone is on edge right now. It was a very chippy practice. A lot of that too is we're talking we're not holding back. We're trying to push through all these things where we're going to make everyone better. That's how practice was today. It was a fiery practice. I hadn't had that much fun in a while because of just how chippy it was. It doesn't trickle into the locker room. We've been doing a great job of being as competitive as possible as we could. I think we're all looking forward to Saturday to get some evaluations with all these new guys settling in.
 
On what is fun about a 'chippy' practice…
It's competitive. You can tell these kids are putting everything they got into it. When you get to the halfway point of spring ball, a lot of people can go through the motions and not maximize what they're trying to accomplish. We've been stressing the importance of bringing it every single day. And I'm telling you it's an emotional game. These guys are out there in a combative state every single play, going as hard as they can. And then you start getting tired. The trash-talking starts to increase a little bit, so there's going to be some edge. I love seeing it. I really do believe right now both sides of the ball are getting better. I haven't had a consistent practice where one side of the ball wins the entire deal. It's people going back and forth. It's like a slugfest right now. That's why I enjoy it because I know these guys – it's spring ball, practice seven. And they're acting like it's the Super Bowl right now on how they playing and competing.
 
On new running backs coach RJ Fleming…
RJ is one of the brightest, up-and-coming coaches out there. I've known about RJ for a long time. He's done stints all over the country. He's from Mississippi, he's been at TCU, been at Liberty, at Eastern Michigan. I got to meet him approximately three years ago and kept my eye on him. The main thing is he's a great person, great leader, great teacher, and great recruiter. His kids have already bought into him. When we've got an experienced running back room and I really think he's dove into that room already. He's just trying to maximize everything he can. Where these guys are at and where he can improve their game. He's been doing a great job with them. Guys are loving being around him. Really impressed with what RJ has already brought to the program.
 
On Calvin Hill…
He's practicing like a pro right now. I love where his demeanor is, his mindset is. The approach he has to the game. He's out there trying to get better at all facets of the game. He had a pass-protection deal today that was a pretty tough get on a corner blitz and he stuck it and it ended up being a great play. It shows you the selflessness of the kid. He's been practicing extremely well lately. You guys have already seen what he's capable of doing. I think he's on the verge of a really good year.
 
On Jahmyl Jeter…
(Jeter) is improving his game as well. The thing that is comforting to us is we know what Jeter can do. We know what Calvin can do. Just where they're at I'm always comfortable calling anything in the playbook. (Jeter's) got this unique ability where controlled practices don't really do justice for him. When the pads come on and it's live, he's very tough to tackle. And I know what he's capable of doing. Love their demeanor.
 
On other running backs aiming to step up…
You got Josh Berry, who is a very dynamic player. He's got an explosive skill set I haven't seen in a while. You got three backs that bring something different to the game right now. I think you're going to see a lot of Josh Berry. He's had a great career at Blinn (Junior College) … one of the top rushers in the country (last season). You can see it. He's got an ability. He's got great ball skills. We can use him in the pass game. When he catches that ball, he's got a chance to hit the home run shots. Those are three backs we're really leaning on right now. And then you got a mix of other guys in Emmanuel Abdallah and Marquis Brown. Those guys are doing a great job of competing and just trying to get better. I feel comfortable right now of putting them in and they know exactly what they're supposed to do. That's comforting for me.