Former American River College running back Devontae Booker is considered a dark horse candidate for the 2015 Heisman award after rushing for more than 1,500 yards in the 2014 season for the University of Utah. (file art)

Former American River College running back Devontae Booker is used to dealing with pressure.

As the lead running back in his last season at ARC in the 2013 campaign, he amassed 1,427 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Now playing for the University of Utah, Booker is facing a different kind of pressure, as he is considered a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman trophy in his second season after rushing for 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014.

Despite this, his former ARC coach Jon Osterhout, says he doesn’t believe Booker is under much pressure because of the coaching staff surrounding him.

Part of this staff includes former San Francisco 49ers head coach Dennis Erickson, who coached three 1,000 yard running backs while at the University of Idaho from 1978-1981.

Osterhout said he believes Booker will have the ability to “rely on past experiences.”

Booker will enter the season as one of 16 candidates, a group that includes Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, Georgia running back Nick Chubb, and Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook.

Osterhout said he believes Booker will make the jump to the NFL.

“(There’s) not a doubt in my mind,” said Osterhout.

His stock can improve as Utah will play Michigan tonight at 5:30 p.m.

“He’s the best back I’ve been around, (he’s) a can’t miss NFL prospect,” said Osterhout.