For the second edition of our LSU football position group breakdowns, we’ll be taking a look at the running back room. Last year, the Tigers took a committee approach to their backs, and we could see something similar from coach Brian Kelly and his offense in 2023. The room has the potential to be the deepest in all of college football, and it would be a disservice not to take advantage of it.
2023 LSU football preview: the Tigers boast a plethora of running back veterans
When it comes to a college football running back room, it’s always good to have options. However, is it possible to have too many options?
There’s only one ball on the field, and you rarely see more than one true running back in the lineup at a time unless you put them at wide receiver.
For LSU football, the Tigers had four running backs in 2022 rush for more than 250 yards. Those backs were grad student Josh Williams, senior Noah Cain, 5th-year John Emery Jr and junior Armoni Goodwin. While I’m not sure that was what coach Brian Kelly wanted, due to injury, it ended up being what LSU needed.
Now, heading into 2023, all four backs have returned to the program and are likely looking to get their fair share of snaps. That’s only part of it, though, as the program added two additional backs to the room in the offseason.
Former Notre Dame running back, junior Logan Diggs will join the team this fall in addition to former LSU class of 2020 signee, redshirt sophomore Tre Bradford.
Ultimately, each player brings something unique to the table and could likely start at most programs in the country. There are the shiftier backs like Armoni Goodwin and Tre Bradford. Then there are several bruisers such as Josh Williams, Logan Diggs, John Emery Jr and Noah Cain.
At first glance, the idea of six running backs can be a bit overwhelming. However, that’s not even everyone. The Tigers are also bringing in two freshmen, who could easily find their way to a role in the offense sooner rather than later.
Sneaky young talent could fill in some gaps for Brian Kelly
While there might not be a ton of available snaps for the younger guys, it certainly won’t be for a lack of talent. In the LSU football class of 2023, coach Brian Kelly is bringing in two stellar running backs: four-star Kaleb Jackson and three-star Trey Holly.
Both true freshmen have found a way to make their mark early in spring and fall camps. During the Tigers’ spring game in April, Holly found his way to the endzone, catching a short pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels and taking it 15 yards for a touchdown.
On the other hand, Jackson was one of the stars in LSU’s scrimmage this past Saturday, making multiple big plays en route to the endzone.
Yes, it’s an incredibly deep running back room. Still, if an injury does occur, these young men are more than capable of making some big things happen.
Are there any potential breakout candidates to watch?
With so many players in one position group, it’s nearly impossible to pin down an exact depth chart. However, in that same sense, there’s plenty of opportunity for a breakout player or two.
For Tiger fans, most of these players have had the opportunity to prove themselves in some way, shape or form. Either they’ve made a big play in a big game or were highly recruited and have simply been waiting for an opportunity to shine.
Two players who could 100 percent see a breakout opportunity in 2023 are transfer addition running backs Noah Cain and Logan Diggs.
Cain joined the program last offseason, and while he did have 76 carries for 409 yards, he was still very new at the time and was likely still learning the offense throughout the season.
Notably, his best game might have been his last of the season, as he carried the ball eight times for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ bowl victory over Purdue. For context, he averaged 7.3 yards per carry in that game.
Diggs, while similar, is in a very different situation coming into his first season with the LSU football program. Oddly enough, despite spending his last two seasons at another school, he’s officially entering his second season with coach Brian Kelly.
Before leaving South Bend, IN, for Baton Rouge, LA, Kelly spent the 2021 college football season coaching young players like Logan Diggs at Notre Dame. Now, the pair are reuniting in Louisiana, which could bode well for both parties.
Who will start?
Well, truth be told, this could be the most challenging position group to pin down one true starter. That said, it’s wise to stick with what we’ve seen over the past year or so.
Last season, Josh Williams took the bulk of starting snaps for the Tigers, recording 97 carries for 532 yards. While he’s been nursing an injury most of the offseason, I can’t imagine an LSU offense without Williams being a significant part.
After Williams, the two names that keep coming up are Noah Cain and Logan Diggs. Both backs have experienced a ton of college football and could provide valuable snaps all season.
Ultimately, I think Josh Williams will earn the starting job for most of the season – barring any further injury. Still, several of the LSU football running backs have been nursing injuries throughout the offseason, so don’t be surprised to see a hefty rotation early on in the year as the coaching staff looks to figure out precisely what they have.
We’ll be continuing this 2023 LSU football preview for all the position groups until the Tigers return to action on September 3rd versus the Florida State Seminoles. Check back on LSUGlory.com tomorrow to read our thoughts on the LSU linebacker room.
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