Yesterday, we predicted that Russell Hansbrough will rush for more than 1,000 yards this season.

Hours later, coach Gary Pinkel confirmed that Hansbrough will carry the ball more frequently than the typical Missouri back for the foreseeable future.

Redshirt sophomore running back Morgan Steward may be listed as doubtful on the depth chart, but Pinkel indicated Monday that he’ll miss at least two or three more weeks. That makes it seem likely he’ll miss the entire non-conference part of the schedule. Steward’s hip injury seems confounding to the Tigers, and if he hadn’t already redshirted in 2012, it probably would be a consideration for this season.

Hansbrough rushed 20 times against South Dakota State, more than any Missouri back carried in any game last season. But it’s reasonable to expect that’s the new normal for this offense.

Listed at 5-foot-9, Hansbrough told the Associated Press he’s actually 5-foot-8, 194 pounds. His frame is similar to NFL speedster Darren Sproles, who is listed at 5-foot-6 and 190 pounds. (The AP also revealed that Evan Boehm and Hansbrough each have a poster of the center hoisting the running back after his first college touchdown in their rooms.)

Pinkel referenced Hansbrough’s frame as stocky, inferring that he’ll be able to absorb blows and handle a 20-carry workload better than most of Missouri’s recent running backs. It could also be an acknowledgement that the offense may need to rely on the running game more often this season.

Pinkel and the Tigers still are marveling at Hansbrough’s 10-yard touchdown run against the Jackrabbits, a late bloomer on social media, but incredible footage.

Several of his teammates have described him as a likable man who mostly keeps to himself, but will open up a bit once he feels at home.

“He’s a really outgoing, fun, exciting person, but he sticks to himself a lot,” Marcus Murphy said. according to the Associated Press. “Once he gets to know you and get comfortable, you’ll see the real Russ.”