NORMAL — Illinois State hasn’t had as feeble of a rushing attack in over 20 years after averaging just 98.7 yards on the ground in its recently completed football season.

In an attempt to remedy that situation, ISU coach Brock Spack is labeling tailback a “huge emphasis” for his next recruiting class.

“We got caught short there. That’s our biggest emphasis on offense,” Spack said. “We’re trying to find two, maybe three, backs to come in and play. A big back would be really nice to fit into our system.”

The ISU coach admitted a tailback transfer from a Bowl Subdivision program is a possibility.

“We’re working on some of those guys, absolutely,” he said. “And we’re in on some really good high school players. We’re battling I-As on running backs. We’re not holding back there. There is a great opportunity for a guy to come in here and be a difference maker as a young player.”

The Redbirds return leading rusher Cliffton Gordon, but the only other runner to receive significant playing time (Geno Blow) is a senior.

ISU appears set at quarterback with Matt Brown, Drew Kiel and Matt Lancaster. Still, coaches are always on the prowl.

“A lot of good quarterbacks want to come here because of our system. We have to take the right guy because if they don’t make it at quarterback they have to go somewhere else (another position),” said Spack. “If we’re going to take a quarterback, he’s going to be a really good athlete.”

The Redbirds are not particularly needy at receiver, either, but would be interested in a fast slot receiver who can “make people miss,” according to Spack.

ISU rotated nine defensive linemen all season and lose ends Doni Phelps, Bert Whigham, Brandon Wilson and Tom Speer to graduation.

Among the high school players to commit to ISU this fall is Washington defensive end Colton Underwood.

According to Spack, Illinois is “bountiful” in outstanding high school linemen.

“We’re doing very well with defensive linemen. Our system is really nice for defensive linemen,” he said. “They really like it.”

Former Purdue defensive end Nickcaro Golding confirmed recently he plans to enroll at ISU in January. The Redbirds also have been linked to former University of Illinois safety Bo Flowers as a possible transfer.

Arlington Heights Hersey defensive back Steve Nelson, brother of former ISU standout Tom Nelson, also has committed to ISU.

Spack expects to sign around 20 recruits in the upcoming class.

“We’re having a great recruiting year,” he said. “Not good, great.”

NCAA rules prohibit Spack from commenting specifically on transfers until they enroll in school or prep players until they sign a national letter of intent.