SAN MARCOS — If there’s one thing Texas State football’s running backs room doesn’t lack, it’s speed. From Jaylen Jenkins and Torrance Burgess Jr., to Cole Pryor and Taji Atkins, the Bobcats have a host of shifty backs with home run potential.
“I’m worried about is if we go to Schlitterbahn this summer. You’ve got to be a certain height to get on the ride,” head coach GJ Kinne quipped Tuesday.
The only back on the roster who’s listed above 5-foot-9 is 6-1 Davian Jackson, who's making a position switch from wide receiver. With Greg Burrell’s departure, the Bobcats no longer have a physical tackle breaker who can bruise opposing defensive lines and run through linebackers.
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Kinne said he’d like someone to fill the niche that former Bobcat Jahmyl Jeter held in 2023 alongside running back Ismail Mahdi. Jeter recorded nine touchdowns and 176 yards on 42 carries that season, specializing in short-yardage situations.
“Might have to develop that, see if that’s something we want to recruit, or just try to develop someone on the roster,” Kinne said.
Without the spring transfer portal window, Texas State’s recruiting options are limited. They could look at running backs who haven't committed but entered the window by the Jan. 16 deadline. The portal window does not limit Division II players — but they must enter the portal by June 15. Junior college prospects are also an option.
In terms of development, Jackson stands out as an intriguing option. The Mississippi State transfer combines his impressive frame with speed that Kinne said ranks among the top five on the team. The coach also praised Jackson's pass protection and IQ.
The issue, of course, is Jackson's newness to the position. Kinne saw the potential in his high school tape, but there are nuances to playing running back and a toughness that Jackson is still developing.
"Going from receiver to running back, he's not used to being in the box and getting hit by linebackers and finishing runs," Kinne said.
Euless Trinity running back Juntavious Harris will bolster the depth when he makes it to San Marcos following his graduation. However, Harris (5-foot-8, 175) is closer to the build of Jenkins and Burgess rather than the bruiser which Kinne is looking for.
Texas State has some leeway when it comes to short-yardage situations thanks to quarterback Brad Jackson. His dua- threat capabilities stress defenses, causing chaos and confusion for linebackers. And while size is a factor, that didn't matter to former Bobcat Lincoln Pare, who recorded 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025. He used his smaller stature to his advantage.
"I'm able to lose these linebackers and safeties because I'm hiding behind the offensive line; they can't see me," Pare said in an interview with the American-Statesman in November.
Regardless of any potential additions, Kinne has faith in the group's talent.
"The good thing is, we like that room," Kinne said. "You don't have to be the biggest to run hard."