Russell Hansbrough was one of just seven SEC running backs to rush for more than 1,000 yards last season, but Missouri needs him to produce even more as he leads an inexperienced personnel group.

Hansbrough, a captain who scored 10 touchdowns last season, told the Columbia Daily Tribune that he has already noticed an increased workload during August camp.

It’s not that Hansbrough wasn’t regularly used last season. His 205 carries were the most for a Missouri running back since 2003. But Missouri’s offense is increasingly become a run-based one, and Hansbrough no longer has Marcus Murphy to split carries with and draw attention away from opposing defenders.

But Hansbrough has the skill to be Missouri’s work horse. He has an uncanny ability to find a hole and run straight through it. He’ll need to become a better pass catcher and add some East-West elements to his game, but he has the added benefit of playing behind Missouri’s veteran offensive line. Hansbrough added 10 pounds during the offseason as well to prepare for his increased responsibility this season as well. 

It’s also worth noting that Hansbrough went into last year’s camp expecting to be the premier back. Coach Gary Pinkel had planned to use Murphy as a slot receiver, but those plans fell through when junior running back Morgan Steward sustained a hip injury last August that caused him to miss the 2014 season.

Steward is back now, having participated in Saturday’s scrimmage (he had nine carries and caught three passes). A power back who would have featured nicely for the Tigers last season, Steward could fill in for Hansbrough on third downs and on the goal line.

As it presently stands, Steward will need to jump sophomore Ish Witter on the depth chart to create a tandem with Hansbrough. There’s a good chance that happens because of how well Hansbrough and Steward complement each other, but Missouri coaches are high on Witter and trusted him more and more as last season progressed.

Also factoring into the running back rotation are Chase Abbington, a JUCO transfer, and Tyler Hunt, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship last season.

No matter how the other running backs progress, though, Missouri will need Hansbrough to be at his best to start the season.