San Diego State Running Back Marcus Stamps Likely Out for 2016

San Diego State Aztecs running back Marcus Stamps is recovering from back surgery and projects to be out for 2016. Coach Rocky Long hasn’t specified what type of injury Stamps sustained that led to the surgery, and suggests Stamps is likely out for the season. Long always the pragmatist, offers an optimistic return by mid-season.

This spring Stamps looked to be the third running back and carrying the ball a bit more on game day. However, Donnel Pumphrey is expected to carry the lion’s share of the ball and shatter Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk’s records this season.

There’s not much stopping Pumphrey from cementing himself as one of the best SDSU running backs of all time, and only Coach Long could set a cap for Humphrey.

Based on stats alone Stamps wouldn’t shine as bright. In 2015, Stamps only rushed 16 times for 33 yards behind the 1-2 punch of Humphrey and Chase Price.

This year Stamps would still be behind the 2015 MWC Offensive Player of the Year, Pumphrey, and the 2015 Special Teams Player of the Year, Rashaad Penny. Stamps was always going to be a dark horse to earn playing time this season.

With talent in front of him and behind him, it seems more beneficial for him to not rush his recovery and allow Penny and the underclassmen to spell Pumphrey.