Tag: USC running backs

USC running backs share the wealth, a great sign early in 2024 season

The great thing about the use of the USC running backs early in the 2024 season is that Lincoln Riley wants to rotate guys and keep them fresh. That’s smart.

The USC Trojans made a commitment to getting bigger in 2024. One of the reasons for this was to run the ball with consistency. The running backs stood to benefit from this change in philosophy, and we saw evidence of this in the physical performance against Utah State. USC’s 249 yards versus the Aggies represented the most on the ground by the Trojans since November of 2018 against the Oregon State Beavers. Woody Marks of Atlanta transferred to USC in the offseason from Mississippi State, where he was the leading receiver in Bulldog history. Marks is joined by three other running backs who all touched the rock against Utah State. Quinten Joyner got several carries against Utah State and looked like a very good RB2 behind Marks. Bryan Jackson got a little bit of work in mop-up time versus Utah State. A’Marion Peterson got some carries and was able to score a great second-effort touchdown, which excited all his USC teammates.

There’s a lot to like about these USC running backs. I caught them in action during Utah State. Get a look at these guys — they’re good, and if the wealth continues to be spread around, these running backs will be fresh for the heart of the Big Ten season in mid-October and into November:

Will USC have a 1,000-yard running back in 2024?

USC’s use of its running backs is a key plot point in 2024.

There are few, if any, college programs that can challenge the level of greatness the USC Trojans have produced at the running back position.  USC boasts countless 1,000 yard rushers, Consensus All-Americans, five Heismans and 2 NFL Hall of Fame running backs.

However, USC has not had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2017, when Ronald “Rojo” Jones II rushed for 1550 yards. This stat does come with an asterisk. Both Keontay Ingram and Travis Dye would most likely have eclipsed the milestone if not for season-ending injuries. Last year Marshawn Lloyd would also have rushed for a thousand yards if he didn’t miss a game against Washington and opt out of the Holiday Bowl against Louisville in preparation for the NFL draft.

Can a Trojan running back rush for 1,000 yards in the Big Ten, where defenses are built to stop the run and elite rush defenses such as Michigan and Penn State loom on the other side of the line of scrimmage?

USC enters the 2024 season with yet another veteran, Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks, transferring from Mississippi State. USC’s last three leading rushers have been transfers (Ingram – Texas, Dye – Oregon, and Lloyd – South Carolina).  Marks, best known for his receiving (all-time leader in receptions at Mississippi State), can still bring it as a ballcarrier. At 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, he can run between the tackles.

The other four scholarship running backs come from the state of Texas. Most people remember redshirt freshman Quinten Joyner for his 47-yard touchdown run against Nevada. Joyner’s burst and speed make him a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.  His 2022 classmate, A’Marion Peterson, is another athletic back who won’t go down on first contact. The third Texas back is true freshman Bryan Jackson.  While all three of these backs are physical, Jackson is the true thumper of the group at six feet and 230 pounds of “smash you in the mouth” running that will be useful in the Big Ten in short yardage and goal line situations.

While Lloyd came close last year when splitting carries with Austin Jones, it will be interesting to see how these 2024 USC running backs will be used, and if any of them will get enough carries to go over the 1,000-yard mark.

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