The LSU running back battle will be interesting to keep an eye on as the college football season approaches. In 2018, the LSU Tigers’ rushing attack will see new faces in the backfield carrying the load for Ed Orgeron and the Fighting Tigers. With Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams gone to the NFL, who will be the new face of the backfield in Baton Rouge? The Tigers are entering the season with uncertainty at the position.
LSU Running Back Battle: Where do each of the tailbacks stand at earning the starting role?
But, there is hope for the future of LSU’s elite running back class that keeps on giving. Over the past four seasons, Tiger fans have seen Leonard Fournette, Guice, and Williams handle the reigns of leading the rushing attack. However, now, a new era begins as LSU searches for its next great running back.
Each Player’s Case for the Starting Role
Nick Brossette
Nick Brossette is the expected starter for the Tigers in the backfield. Despite his troubles last season, the junior has looked impressive during fall camp. However, he hasn’t run away with the starting job just yet. This battle for the starting position in the backfield could go on until week one against Miami in Arlington. Brossette does have the most experience of the other running backs on the roster, though. When he arrived in Baton Rouge in 2014, Brossette was seen as one of the next great LSU running backs. Highly-ranked coming out of high school, he honed all the skills to lead the way after Fournette and Guice. Given the opportunity, Brossette wants to prove that he can lead the way in the rushing game for the Tigers this season.
Sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to have a breakout season as well. The talented sophomore broke onto the college football scene last season in terms of being opportunistic with the amount of time that he saw the field. He became an instant fan favorite among Tigers fans. His hopes of earning the starting job are high as well. Along with Brossette, Edwards-Helaire has deemed dominant throughout fall camp.
Chris Curry
Freshman Chris Curry is going to be a force to be reckoned with when he earns his opportunity in the backfield. His high school highlights had Tigers fans anxiously awaiting his arrival to campus. Curry could become the next feature back for LSU in 2019, but he’ll have to wait his turn in 2018. However, the Tigers should utilize Curry in some role this season to show his skills.
Tae Provens
Tae Provens is another talented freshman running back that could surge onto the scene for the Tigers. During his time at Madison County in Alabama, Provens was one of the best running backs in the state and the country. Tigers fans anxiously want to see Provens get carries, and he should receive plenty this season at some point. His best chance of earning the starting role in the backfield will come in 2019.
Lanard Fournette is the brother of former LSU great Leonard Fournette. His power is similar to Leonard’s, though he isn’t as fast. Lanard will get his chances this season, but it could be minimal for him to see the field. If he impresses in the final two weeks of fall camp, he could climb up the depth chart and earn more extended playing time.
Final Thoughts
Every running back on this LSU roster for 2018 will get their fair share of carries. New offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and head coach Ed Orgeron will have a tough time picking the starter. However, the separation in fall camp for this position battle has yet to be seen. With all of the tailbacks looking impressive, this choice could come down to the day of the opening game against Miami. However, the Tigers’ backfield will be a force to reckoned with given they have so much talent at the position.
