That makes two of them.

Quarterbacks, running backs and fullbacks

Contributors Lost—QB Neil Rose ’03, TB Nick Palazzo ’03, RB Rodney Thomas ’03, RB Rodney Byrnes (moved to receiver)

Contributors returning—QB Ryan Fitzpatrick ’05, RB Ryan Tyler ’06, FB George Parry ’04, FB Collin Blackburn

Player to Watch—Tyler. The sophomore emerged as Harvard’s top tailback in last season’s Columbia game, when he rushed for a freshman-record 120 yards, but missed the last two games with a broken finger. With junior Rodney Byrnes playing receiver full-time this season, Tyler will be counted on to provide much-needed experience to the RB corps.

Newcomers to Watch—TB Clifton Dawson. The sophomore transfer from Northwestern has shown exceptional speed and should see playing time, especially considering Harvard’s habit of using more than one back.

Number of note—52.3. That’s how many rushing yards per game Fitzpatrick averaged last season, a team-best. Though Fitzpatrick is a talented scrambler, the Crimson would benefit from the emergence of a running back as its top rusher.

—Staff writer Lisa J. Kennelly can be reached at kennell@fas.harvard.edu.