Bhonapha said that his focus has been getting the players to understand their process for every play and making sure that they can maintain that through all three phases of the game: catching, running and blocking.

He spoke about establishing a standard in the training room, especially among some of the younger players. “The standard can't be, ‘I know you're young and you still have to figure it out.’ No, this is what we need done, and if you can't get it done right now, let's get the next guy in to see if he can get it done consistently,” he said.

But among the freshman running backs, the transfer portal era has also allowed the program to bring in experienced players, like redshirt senior Elijah Tau-Tolliver, who transferred to MSU last January from Sacramento State. For players like Tau-Tolliver, Bhonapha said the urgency is less on the fundamentals, but rather asking the question, “Can this guy get dialed into the program and pick up on the scheme and how you need them to operate?” he said.

He said Tau-Tolliver has been picking up the playbook and taking his steps into the Big 10 nicely, and is hoping to see that progress continue through the remainder of fall camp.

Tau-Tolliver, in the wake of his last year as a college football player, said that he’s focused less on himself and more on the team. The senior running back is in a unique position, as he’s both an experienced college football player and new to the team. He said that allows him to step into a leadership role while also relating to some of the other players. “I'm going through the same thing as you. So we do this together,” he tells his teammates.

Tau-Tolliver left Sacramento State with 141 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns and 85 receiving yards under his belt. He said his biggest improvement since coming to MSU in January has been in understanding the playbook, and at this point, it has become second nature to him.

Overall, Bhonapha said all the running backs are experiencing a good progression through fall camp. He also mentioned specific players, such as freshman Jaxon McCaig, who is currently being integrated into special teams, and freshman Jace Clarizio, who has made significant progress since January.

“He's going to make mistakes, and things are going to come up. I've had that before, but I'm excited. It's a high ceiling for that kid,” he said of the East Lansing Native.

For Brandon Tullis, the returning sophomore with seven carries last season, Bhonapha again expressed excitement with his progression, speaking to his ability to shake tackles.

Tullis and Bhonapha both said that there’s an increased level of trust between the running backs and the offensive line since last season. “I think we still have a ways to go, but that’s fall camp,” Bhonapha said.

Tullis also spoke to the need for communication between runners and linemen, emphasizing the importance of shouting calls during plays and saying what they’re thinking.

Saturday’s scrimmage is going to be important for the team, Bhonapha said. “Watching those guys go through spring ball, I really do feel like we have talent in this room," he said. "I felt comfortable that if we just continue to push these guys, they will take the next step. And I believe that's where we're at right now,” he added.