At Missouri under coach Gary Pinkel, it’s safe to say running backs will never be the star of the show. Columbia, after all, has become a quarterback’s town.

But with the renewed spotlight placed on the position by the absence of suspended senior Derrick Washington, a couple of Missouri newcomers are likely to draw the attention of observers in Saturday’s game against McNeese State. True freshmen Henry Josey and Marcus Murphy are both expected to have their roles expanded and command several touches on offense and special teams.

Junior De’Vion Moore and sophomore Kendial Lawrence carried a combined 23 times for a total of 98 yards in the season opening win against Illinois. The two are listed as co-starters on this week’s official depth chart released by the athletic department. On Monday, Pinkel addressed his current stable of backs, including Murphy’s skillset, Lawrence’s bruised shoulder and preparing the young players for playing time.

In fall camp, Josey’s speed immediately served notice and helped him avoid a redshirt season. Josey saw playing time a week ago, rushing for ten yards on a carry around the right end against Illinois. In high school, he rushed for 2,359 yards and 32 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Angleton High School outside of Galveston, Texas.

For Murphy, who did not play against Illinois, his debut against McNeese State on Saturday probably won’t even be the most watched game of his career. One season ago, Murphy’s DeSoto High School team opened the season in an ESPN nationally-televised game against rival Cedar Hill in what’s known as the “Battle of the Beltline” in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. DeSoto lost the game, 44-41, but the spotlight shone brightly on Murphy, who finished the day with four rushing touchdowns plus a 51-yard touchdown reception.

Even if Murphy is crowded out of the backfield by Josey and incumbent co-starters De’Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence, he’ll get his touches via the return game, where the kick returner spot has been vacated by senior safety Jasper Simmons, who tore his meniscus last week. Murphy returned kicks full-time for DeSoto for his final two years, and his quick burst and heady feel for following his blockers could bring an added dimension in place of the usually steady but uninspiring returns from Simmons.