BATON ROUGE, LA – In a statement that has Louisiana State University football fans buzzing with excitement, head coach Ed Orgeron has expressed his belief that the Tigers’ running back room is finally coming together after a tumultuous start to the season. Orgeron, speaking to the press at a recent team practice, shared his optimism about the future of the LSU backfield, citing improvement in both the skill level and depth of the position group.
For LSU football, which has seen success in recent years, including a national championship in 2019, the running back position has been a point of concern during the 2023 season. After the departure of standout back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the NFL, and the subsequent struggles to find a consistent replacement, the running back room has been a key storyline throughout the season. However, Orgeron’s latest comments indicate that the team is beginning to turn the corner in this critical area of the offense.
A Rocky Start for the LSU Running Backs
The road to improvement has not been an easy one for LSU’s running backs. Heading into the season, the Tigers were working with a committee approach, as none of the returning players seemed to have the dominant presence that Edwards-Helaire brought to the field. TDP (Tyler Davis-Preston), who saw significant action last year, appeared to struggle in terms of finding consistency in his performances. Freshmen like Johnathan Guillory, who was considered a highly touted recruit, showed flashes of talent but had yet to prove themselves at the college level.
Early on, LSU’s rushing attack had difficulty establishing any kind of rhythm. The offensive line, which had lost key players to the NFL draft, also had its struggles in the early weeks of the season. Opposing defenses, knowing LSU’s reliance on the running game, began to stack the box, forcing the Tigers into more passing situations and limiting their offensive effectiveness.
But despite these setbacks, Coach Orgeron has been unwavering in his confidence that things would get better, especially as players gained experience and the offensive line began to settle into a rhythm. Orgeron’s faith in his running back group was tested, but it now seems to be paying off.
Coach Orgeron’s Optimism
During his press conference, Coach Orgeron made it clear that his confidence in the running back room has only grown as the season has progressed. “We’ve got a great group of guys in that room, and I think they’re starting to find their identity,” Orgeron stated. “It’s a combination of experience and youth, but the bottom line is we’ve seen them get better every single week.”
Orgeron specifically pointed to the improvement in the offensive line’s performance, which has allowed the running backs more room to operate. As the line continues to gel, the running backs have had more opportunities to show off their talents. According to Orgeron, the offensive line’s progress has been crucial for the running backs’ success.
Additionally, Orgeron highlighted the mental growth of his players. The running backs, he noted, have become more patient in their running style, allowing holes to develop and working with the offensive line rather than trying to force the issue. “Patience is key,” he said. “They’re understanding how to hit the right hole at the right time, and they’re trusting their offensive line to do their job.”
Key Players Emerging
One of the major bright spots in the LSU backfield has been the rise of sophomore running back Josh Williams. Williams, who had limited opportunities in his first year, has quickly developed into a dependable option for the Tigers. He has shown excellent vision, impressive speed, and the ability to break tackles in the open field. Williams has had several standout performances this season, including a career-high 150-yard game in a victory over SEC rival Ole Miss.
Williams’ success has not gone unnoticed by Orgeron. “Josh has been exceptional,” the coach said. “He’s a guy who has stepped up and shown that he can carry the load. He’s been a workhorse for us.”
In addition to Williams, the emergence of true freshman Kylan Smith has injected a new dynamic into the running back room. Smith, who arrived in Baton Rouge with high expectations, has flashed big-play potential throughout the season. His ability to make defenders miss and accelerate through gaps has made him a threat in the passing game as well, giving LSU an added dimension to their offense.
“I’ve been really impressed with Kylan,” Orgeron said. “He’s got a lot of talent, and he’s only going to get better. He’s a guy who can be a difference-maker for us in the future.”
Smith’s development has been critical for LSU, as it gives the coaching staff more flexibility in terms of their play calling. Having two reliable backs in Williams and Smith will provide the Tigers with the opportunity to create mismatches against opposing defenses, especially in high-pressure situations.
A Strong Committee Approach
While Williams and Smith have emerged as key contributors, Orgeron emphasized that LSU’s running back room is not dependent on one or two players. Instead, the Tigers are taking a committee approach to ensure that fresh legs are always available and that opposing defenses cannot key in on a single player.
“We’ve got several guys who can contribute,” Orgeron said. “Tyler Davis-Preston, Johnathan Guillory, and the rest of the guys in the room are all playing important roles for us. The more depth we have, the better our offense is going to be.”
Orgeron also acknowledged that depth is critical to LSU’s long-term success. The ability to rotate running backs allows the Tigers to keep their players fresh throughout the game, especially in the latter stages when fatigue begins to set in. This depth is particularly valuable in the grueling SEC schedule, where teams often rely on a strong running game to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
What’s Next for the LSU Running Backs?
With the running back room finally beginning to show promise, LSU fans are hopeful that the Tigers can continue to build on this momentum. The team faces several tough matchups in the coming weeks, including a high-stakes showdown with Alabama, a team that has long been known for its physical play on defense. How the Tigers’ running backs perform in these games will go a long way in determining whether LSU can remain competitive in the SEC West.
One thing is clear: LSU’s running backs are no longer the question mark they once were. With Coach Orgeron’s guidance and the continued development of Williams, Smith, and the rest of the group, the Tigers appear to be primed for success on the ground as the season progresses.
“I’m proud of the progress these guys have made,” Orgeron concluded. “They’re starting to click, and when we’re firing on all cylinders, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”
As the season continues, the LSU backfield will undoubtedly remain a key part of the team’s quest for success. Fans in Baton Rouge and beyond will be watching closely to see if this newly revitalized running back room can help propel the Tigers back to their former glory.
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