San Diego State running backs coach Darian Hagan had a simple assignment for Lucky Sutton when the two began working together three years ago.

Get lower. Become more flexible. Learn where to put his eyes.

Sutton had power, but he was stiff and still learning the position after playing in a Wing-T offense at Cathedral Catholic High School.

“He really didn’t know what he was doing,” Hagan said. “I just challenged him to get better.”

Sutton rushed for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors and becoming SDSU’s first Doak Walker Award semifinalist since Rashaad Penny in 2017.

He returns for his senior season at the front of what could be one of the deepest running back rooms in the Pac-12.

SDSU also returns senior Christian Washington, who rushed for 563 yards and four touchdowns last season. Sophomore transfer Javion Kinnard adds speed and receiving ability to complement the Aztecs’ two bigger backs.

“We’ve got a stable of running backs,” Washington said. “One comes off the field, there’s no drop-off. I feel like we’re going to come back with that power every time we step out.”

Sutton, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound San Diego native, averaged 5.1 yards on 254 carries last season, the fifth-most attempts in the nation. He had six 100-yard games, including a career-high 158 yards against Wyoming and 150 against Boise State.

He enters 2026 on the Maxwell Award watch list and has received preseason first-team All-Pac-12 recognition from several publications.

“Everyone says it was a decent or good season,” Sutton said. “I didn’t think it was good enough. Just having that mindset that I have something to prove is one thing I’m having coming into this season.”

Hagan said Sutton’s preparation separates him as much as his power.

“Everything that comes out of my mouth, he writes it down like it’s the first time he heard it,” Hagan said. “If you guys are not watching him and not learning from him, you guys are doing yourself an injustice because that dude is a real pro.”

Kinnard has taken notice.

“Lucky is kind of like a robot,” Kinnard said. “He does everything right. He never does nothing wrong. Coaches have said, ‘If you want to know what’s right, look at Lucky.’”

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Kinnard gives SDSU a different dimension.

He caught 18 passes for 228 yards as a Colorado State freshman and rushed 12 times for 56 yards. He also earned second-team all-conference honors as a punt returner, highlighted by a 91-yard touchdown against Hawaii.

“Chop, you know, Javion, he’s phenomenal,” Hagan said. “He gets the ball in his hand, and that guy, you don’t know what’s going to happen. There’s always going to be something good.”

Kinnard can line up in the backfield or help the Aztecs empty the formation. His receiving ability creates options for an offense whose running backs combined for just 12 catches and 48 yards last season.

He also wants to be viewed as more than a specialty player.

“They let me be a true running back here, so I love that more,” he said. “I feel like I want to be a true running back. That’s what I label myself as.”

Hagan does not want substitutions telling the defense what is coming.

“We try not to be a team that’s going to put guys in special situations,” Hagan said. “I’m a firm believer that if you can do anything, you can do everything. I want every one of these guys to be able to be every-down backs.”

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Washington gives SDSU another proven option. His touches may fluctuate, but his approach has not changed.

“Whenever I get the football, I know what I’m going to do with it,” Washington said. “I know I’ve got to maximize my opportunities, no matter how many times I get it.”

Sutton is also unconcerned about how the carriers are divided.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “Whatever gets the job done to get these wins.”

The room extends beyond the top three. Hagan said Jordin Thomas has become more physical as a runner and improved in pass protection. True freshman Josiah Lucas could be among the quickest players on the team.

“He gets the ball, he knows where he’s going,” Hagan said of Lucas. “He’s dynamic with it.”

Roman Aguilar

Roman Aguilar (he/him/his) is a San Diego State graduate from Stockton, California. He joined The Daily Aztec in 2022, covering football, men’s basketball, and water polo before becoming Sports Editor for three years. Aguilar was also the sports director for KCR College Radio for two years, where he covered SDSU athletics, reviewed concerts, and interviewed artists. Outside the newsroom, he’s often at local shows or watching his favorite horror films.