It’s not often you talk about a backup as a potential breakout player. It is not often that a backup is your third leading rusher from the year before. Redshirt Junior Nathan Cottrell is both of those and looks to build on a successful 2017.
In a year where A-back production fell across the board, Cottrell had the most rushing yards (271) and the highest yard per carry (8.1) at the position. Cottrell was also the primary kick returner with 23 attempts for 470 yards, 20.4 yards per return.
Cottrell arrived in 2015 with a reputation for speed.