It's no secret the running game at ULM the past two season has been lackluster at best. In 2014, the team averaged 69.5 rush yards a game, which was 126/128 out of FBS. 2015 wasn't much better, as the Warhawks averaged 102.9 yards a game, which was 122/128.
Injury did play a part into 2015's poor rushing performance as both Tyler Cain and Nathan Meadors, Jr. missed the majority of the season due to injury. With a new offensive line coach, NLU and Baltimore Ravens running back Alan Ricard teaching the backs, and Coach Viator's offensive philosophy, there is hope the running game will make a comeback this year.
I would expect the coaches to go with a "running back by committee" strategy this year, giving the ball to whoever has the hot hand. If the running backs are able to stay injury free, there will be a good variety of running styles at the coaches' disposal.
Incoming Running Backs: Thomas Koufie (JUCO transfer, 3 years left), Duke Carter IV (true freshman), Kayin White (true freshman), Billy Clemons, (redshirt freshman walk-on), Austin "Bus" Vaughn (walk-on)
Outgoing Running Backs: Devontae McNeal (graduation), Kaylon Watson, (trasnfer)
Expected Depth Chart
Injury did play a part into 2015's poor rushing performance as both Tyler Cain and Nathan Meadors, Jr. missed the majority of the season due to injury. With a new offensive line coach, NLU and Baltimore Ravens running back Alan Ricard teaching the backs, and Coach Viator's offensive philosophy, there is hope the running game will make a comeback this year.
I would expect the coaches to go with a "running back by committee" strategy this year, giving the ball to whoever has the hot hand. If the running backs are able to stay injury free, there will be a good variety of running styles at the coaches' disposal.
Incoming Running Backs: Thomas Koufie (JUCO transfer, 3 years left), Duke Carter IV (true freshman), Kayin White (true freshman), Billy Clemons, (redshirt freshman walk-on), Austin "Bus" Vaughn (walk-on)
Outgoing Running Backs: Devontae McNeal (graduation), Kaylon Watson, (trasnfer)
Expected Depth Chart
- Tyler Cain- After being granted a 6th year of eligibility due to a medical redshirt, Cain will be looking to end his ULM career strong. His problem his first few years at ULM was trying to run around people too much and losing yards more than he gained yards. Ricard had Cain running through the offensive line more in the spring, which will lead to some quick gains. Cain will also be a threat catching the ball out of the backfield and will contend for the kick return and punt return duties.
- Ben Luckett- Luckett was the lone bright spot in the 2015 running game. He had his breakout game against Arkansas State with 18 rushes for 149 yards and a 85-yard touchdown. Luckett is the biggest of the returning running backs and will probably be used as the 3rd down and goalline back.
- Thomas Koufie- This is where the depth chart starts to get murky. While I haven't seen Koufie run in person, his video makes him look like a very versatile back. He will push Luckett and Cain for carries this season.
- Nathan Meadors, Jr. had an extremely unfortunate and terrible knee injury that he's working to come back from. If he's able to return for this season, he will accompany Cain as a scat-back type player.
- Duke Carter IV is a shifty back, much like Cain. Carter may redshirt this year and fill in Cain's role in 2017, but he could also impress the coaches and earn a spot in the rotation this season.
- Kayin White is a big, bruising back with great movement. It would not surprise me to see White get some running time this season, but it also would not surprise me to see him redshirt if Cain, Luckett, and Koufie stay healthy.
