By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
HAYS – As the Fort Hays State football team continues preparations for the 2026 season, there may not be a clear-cut No. 1 running back, but that could be a good thing for the Tigers. With five players competing for carries, FHSU has a deep and versatile backfield, with each player bringing a different skill set to the position.
Curtis Douglas is the lone returning back who saw action last season. He played in 10 games with three starts, rushing 83 times for 418 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 36 yards.
Douglas is joined by Central Missouri transfer LaAngelo Bell, Victor Valley College transfer Deshawn Minor, redshirt freshman AG Floyd and second-year player Ife Durodoye.
Head coach and running backs coach Chris Brown said the group offers plenty of versatility.
“We got really good depth at that position right now,” Brown said. “All guys could do different things. Some are power runners, some are scat backs. Some are good blockers, some can catch it out of the backfield. So, it’s a good mixture.”
Douglas has made significant strides in his understanding of the offense and blocking schemes, something Brown said has allowed him to become a leader within the position group.
“He’s really picked it up,” Brown said. “I mean, he’s smart, he’s helping the young guys out as well, kind of teaching them some of his tricks and the things that he’s seeing, too, during the game.”
Bell brings the most proven production of the newcomers. He was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection at Central Missouri in 2024 after rushing for 547 yards and adding 84 receiving yards with six touchdowns. Last season, he totaled 204 rushing yards and 81 receiving yards with two touchdowns.
Brown said Bell has made major progress since joining the Tigers.
“Just from spring until now, his development through the summer has improved tremendously,” Brown said. “He’s picked it up well. I mean, he’s one of those guys that’s pushing for the starting spot.”
With Douglas returning and Bell, Minor, Floyd and Durodoye competing for opportunities, the Tigers have several options to fill out their running back rotation.
Fort Hays State opens the 2026 season at Angelo State on Thursday, August 27. They host CSU Pueblo for their first home game on Thursday, September 3.