INDIANAPOLIS – Kavon Samuels will be the top dawg in the backfield for Butler once action resumes at the Sellick Bowl. Samuels backed up Brad Sznajder in 2019, but is prepared to see an expanded role in the offense now that he heads into his junior season.
 
"The running back room is one of the deepest positions on the team," running back coach Matthew McCarroll explained. "We look to bring the juice every time we hit the field! We pride ourselves by leading with our play. I feel really good about the student-athletes in this group, and our ability to perform at a very high level. So excited to see what juice does this season!"
 
Samuels played in all 12 games for Butler in 2019, making two starts. He rushed the ball 57 times for 242 yards and two touchdowns. His scores came against Taylor and Jacksonville. A complete back, Samuels also caught 20 passes for 119 yards. He ended the year with 765 all-purpose yards by also serving as the team's top kick returner.
 
AJ Deinhart will look to spell Samuels and get some more touches in his sophomore season. Deinhart played in all 12 games for BU in 2019 and was a key figure on special teams. Out of the backfield, he rushed for 57 yards on 15 carries and caught two passes for 11 yards. He stood back beside Samuels on the kickoff return team and was responsible for 380 yards on 20 returns.
 
Michael Benefield and Wayne Dixie will battle to expand their roles within the program this season. Joining them in that competition will be newcomers Kellen Newman, Alex DeLong, Joey Suchy, and Jack Boyd.