University of Toledo football coach Jason Candle can rattle off the names: Chester Taylor, Jalen Parmele, Wasean Tait, David Fluellan, Adonis Thomas, Kareem Hunt, and Terry Swanson.

The running back position at Toledo has a rich tradition with one big name following in the footsteps of another, and often times in recent memory sharing the same backfield.

This season could be the time for junior Art Thompkins and sophomore Shakif Seymour to step into the spotlight. As young backs, Thompkins and Seymour were in the same running backs room as guys like Hunt, Swanson, Marc Remy, and Damion Jones-Moore.

“Both of those guys had tremendous years last year and had tremendous starts to their young careers,” Candle said. “They have had some really good pictures of what disciplined work looks like in front of them in Kareem and Terry, and hopefully they have been able to learn what made them great players and yet now they can add that to their talent.”

Now there seems to be a clear path to a bigger role and while they most likely will split carries in the backfield, a big opportunity lies ahead for both of them.

VIDEO: Art Thompkins and Shakif Seymour on playing running back at Toledo

“To me being a good running back at Toledo takes dedication, hard work, and patience,” Thompkins said. “Patience is the biggest thing, because Toledo has a lot of tradition and depth at running back.

“Everybody has to wait their turn. It’s a process and it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You have a lot of great guys and you are behind a lot of great guys and you want to learn from them as much as possible so when it is your turn, you are ready.”

Seymour said a lot of running backs come to Toledo and feel like they have something to prove. They come ready to work and show what they can do, and the coaches meet that level of commitment.

“You come to a place like this and the coaches grind as much as you do,” Seymour said. “It builds mental toughness to a point where when you are on the field you want to be good. In the running back room you see a lot of players that are working hard and grinding every day and that progress shows on the field.”

Sharing the backfield with Swanson, who was the Mid-American Conference’s leading rusher last season, Thompkins and Seymour each averaged at least 6.0 yards per carry.

Thompkins provided a burst and big-play capability, while Seymour brought a consistent physical presence and a downhill running style.

Seymour had 116 carries for 702 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Thompkins carried the ball 104 times for 629 yards and two touchdowns.

Swanson missed the Eastern Michigan game last season with an injury, providing a sign of what could be to come in the backfield this season. In a physical and hard-fought game that ended up being a 20-15 Toledo win, Thompkins rushed 15 times for 94 yards and a touchdown and Seymour added 17 carries for 55 yards and a score.

Later in the season, Seymour and Thompkins provided a glimpse of their potential in the blowout win by Toledo at rival Bowling Green. In that game, Seymour tied the single-game school-record with five rushing touchdowns, and Thompkins broke off an 88-yard touchdown run.

It seems the styles of Thompkins and Seymour should complement each other.

“We both bring something different to the game,” Thompkins said. “I bring a lot of speed and elusiveness, and Shakif brings a lot of power and speed. He’s a downhill back. Our combination is very dangerous and lethal.”

Other Toledo backs like Nevone McCrimmon, Nicholas Sims, and converted safety Ronnie Jones could work their way to some carries, but Thompkins and Seymour have the most game experience.

Seymour said he and Thompkins are constantly pushing each other, and the other running backs in the room, to become better players.

“Me and him, we call each other dangerous,” Seymour said. “But we go hand-in-hand. When I’m on the field and I do something wrong, he will let me know. If he’s on the field and does something wrong, I will let him know. I think with me and him coming back with some experience, we will be fine.”

Contact Brian Buckey at: bbuckey@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @BrianBuckey.

First Published April 7, 2018, 1:30 p.m.