The 2015 season isn't far away; we can see the light at the end of the offseason tunnel already. It's time for a quick Pac-12 knowledge refresher.

Here's how we do this. Every day features a new position group. We provide three categories and place each conference team accordingly: "Great shape," "Good shape" and "We'll see."

Today, we examine the running backs of the Pac-12 North.

GREAT SHAPE

Oregon

The Ducks' backfield stable may be the envy of the country. There's depth and skill versatility here. Royce Freeman brings the bruising presence, and it's frightening to realize that he may inflict even more hurt now that he's no longer a true freshman. Thomas Tyner is an excellent blur-speed No. 2. Though he's shifted to more of a receiving role, Byron Marshall shouldn't be discounted -- he's one of the most versatile weapons in the Pac-12. Don't sleep on incoming speedster Taj Griffin, either: Like Freeman last year, he'll have a chance to grab playing time by the horns this fall.

California

Jared Goff and the Bears' deep group of receivers enjoy most of the attention, but Cal was actually very effective running the ball through Daniel Lasco last season. He finished with 1,115 rushing yards on 5.3 yards per carry -- good for sixth in the Pac-12 -- and is back for senior year action. The Bears also have an exciting youngster to complement their veteran: Incomer Lonny Powell rumbled his way to an awesome spring as a 17-year-old early enrollee. Tre Watson, Vic Enwere, and Khalfani Muhammad give Cal some extra sizzle here.

Washington

The Huskies put their faith here in the guy with an apt name: Dwayne Washington. Our own Ted Miller asked if he's the best running back no one is talking about. The 220-pounder burst onto the scene late last season, averaging 7.8 yards per carry in the Huskies' final three regular-season games. Washington also returns 222-pound back Lavon Coleman, so Chris Petersen is set with a couple of bruisers who should be able to assuage the pain of an unsettled quarterback situation.

GOOD SHAPE

Oregon State

Storm Woods is primed for a big season behind Oregon State's five returning starters along the offensive line, but since Terron Ward is gone, the Beavers will need another option to emerge behind him. Chris Brown looks to assert himself as that man after an excellent spring game performance in which he racked up 89 yards on only nine carries. New coordinator Dave Baldwin's offense will run at a frenetic pace, so some depth here is necessary.

Stanford

Christian McCaffrey averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 10.9 yards per touch as a true freshman last season, but the lion’s share of his workload didn’t come until the final four games of the season. David Shaw has indicated that a bulked-up McCaffrey will be a full-time offensive centerpiece this time around, and that’s excellent news for Stanford’s backfield. If the Cardinal mix and match their pieces effectively, McCaffrey can do damage in the middle of the field while Remound Wright (9 TDs in Stanford’s final three games) delivers red zone punches. Barry Sanders will also get carries, while incomer Bryce Love has potentially game-breaking speed. It’s all about how Shaw utilizes this group.

Washington State

The Cougars heavily utilized their running backs last season, but not in the traditional way -- Jamal Morrow's 61 catches were the most in school history for a player at his position. Morrow, Gerard Wicks and receiver convert Keith Harrington should get more hand-off action this season with Washington State planning to line up under center every so often. The 211-pound Wicks offers a bruising complement to the 187-pound Morrow. That tandem can be very productive working behind a veteran offensive line.

WE'LL SEE

No Pac-12 North team falls in this last category. Heck, even Washington State is planning to pound the ball with significant frequency this season. That's why 2015 is going to be the Year of the Running Back -- this position is simply not a weakness for any member of the division. Returning backfield talent is strong, and it's come in numbers great enough to also provide depth.