DECORAH - During Adam Lamos' standout career at Jesup High School, the game plan each Friday was simple: Give Lamos the football and let him shred defenses.

Regardless of the schemes or the speed and strength of an opposing defense, Lamos was a highlight film, racking up the 11th-highest rushing total in state history with 5,328 yards and amassing 50 touchdowns in his tenure as a J-Hawk.

The gaudy numbers and breath-taking runs, however, have not yet carried over to the college game at Luther.

As a freshman last season, the no-huddle offense was difficult for him to digest. Injuries sidelined him. And instead of being the go-to guy, Lamos was used sparingly.

"Last year was a lot harder than what I expected," the 6-foot, 225-pound sophomore said. "Everything was totally different from high school. From the no-huddle offense to the play calling, it was definitely a new experience."

But with the Norse's top tailback, Tyler Sherden, out for the year following off-season knee surgery, Lamos and Independence alum Chip Smith will be called upon to be the center of the team's rushing attack.

Lamos played in just four games last year and had 30 rushes for 107 yards and no touchdowns. He sprained his right shoulder in an early-season scrimmage, then separated his left shoulder in the middle of the season against Central and was out for the year.

"Anytime you put a freshman on the field and you're playing in a league like the Iowa Conference, that's a challenge - mentally and physically," said Luther head coach Paul Hefty, who is not allowed to redshirt players at the Division III level.

Since the end of last season, through offseason workouts and fall camp, Hefty sees a motivated and hungry Lamos.

"It's night and day already in the first week or two for him," Hefty said. "We're excited to see what a healthy Adam Lamos can do."

Lamos has added 15 pounds since the end of last year and has maintained his speed, he said.

Smith, meanwhile, is also expected to see more carries. The Iowa State transfer rushed for 249 yards and two touchdowns last year.

"Adam and I can easily rush for 1,500 yards with the offensive line we've got," said Smith, listed at 6-2 and 210 pounds. "We complement each other well. He's definitely a power back and I'm more of a shaker."

Hefty believes the two are up to the task of replacing Sherden, who rushed for 730 yards and 11 scores.

"We like those challenges," said Hefty, whose squad opens the season at Martin Luther College Saturday. "That fits into that whole idea of not becoming dependent on one individual. It's hard to have a player of Tyler's ability and what he does standing next to you student coaching for a year, but those are the steps we've got to take to make us stronger as a program.

"You look at Chip and Adam and their resumes from high school prove they are two very good athletes in this state. They're eager to get the job done."

And with Luther's aerial passing attack, the team's offensive output won't strictly hinge on Lamos and Smith. The Norse attempt to run 85 offensive plays per game - 45 pass and 40 run.

"We've got such a great passing game, so I don't feel like there's an extraordinary amount of pressure by any means," Lamos said. "We're going to be balanced.

"That's how you win."

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com