After losing D’Onta Foreman to free agency, the Carolina Panthers needed a power-down running back. They subsequently took a chance on undrafted free agent Cam Peoples, signing him minutes after the 2023 NFL Draft.
“North Carolina, let’s keep pounding,” Peoples said on Twitter. “I’m so thankful to God for another amazing opportunity to do what I love.”
NORTH CAROLINAAAA!!! 💙💙🐆 let’s keep Pounding !!
— Peoples Champ 🥶 (@Cam_Peoples6) April 29, 2023
High Country to Queen City: The Potential Impact of Cam Peoples
Success in the High Country
Peoples played five years at Appalachian State located in Boone, North Carolina, a short two-hour drive from Bank of America Stadium. As a Mountaineer, Peoples led the backfield for three years. His college career was highlighted by a stellar 2020 season with 1124 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He capped off 2020 with a school record and FBS bowl game record of 317 rushing yards on 22 attempts and five touchdowns in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. He followed up the next season with 926 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Peoples returned for his senior season but was plagued with injuries. He thus rushed for 593 yards, starting in just six games. Despite his injury-riddled 2022 season, Peoples was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He finished his collegiate career with a 6.22 yards per carry average, a school record.
Cam Peoples With a GROWN MAN run for #AppState #KeepPounding
Can’t wait to see him get a chance
— Bradlee 🎙 ALL_AQCESS 🎙️ (@BradMLee) April 30, 2023
Competitive Running Back Room
Throughout his college career, Peoples was primarily used as a single back and caught only 11 passes. During the draft process, Peoples worked on his pass-catching ability to become more versatile. With improved hands, he can be involved in passing downs as a pass blocker and catch any dump-off passes.
Being listed at the NFL Combine as 6’1 and 217 lbs, Peoples has the frame to continue to play toward his strengths as a power-down back for Carolina. New signing and former Philadelphia Eagles running back, Miles Sanders, will serve as the early-down back. Sanders had a career year with Philadelphia in 2022. He managed 1269 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, along with a Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl appearance.
Behind Sanders are running backs Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear. They will both serve as third-down or change-of-pace backs. Hubbard was the No. 2 running back behind Foreman in 2022. However, he has struggled to pay off his fourth-round pick price after being drafted by Carolina in 2021.
Uphill Climb
Peoples immediately becomes the biggest running back on the depth chart. He could thus serve as a power-down or backup running back to Sanders. The Appalachian State product will compete against former UAB running back Spencer Brown. Listed at 6’0 and 220 lbs, Brown is the only other running back with a comparable frame to Peoples. Brown will have the advantage as he was with the Panthers in 2022.
However, with a new coaching staff (featuring Duce Staley as the running backs coach), opportunities to rise on the depth chart are aplenty. Peoples’ first opportunity in Carolina will come at rookie minicamp on May 12-14. Whether Peoples makes the 53-man roster is a hot topic. Many eyes will, therefore, be on the familiar face from the Carolinas. Despite this, all the mainstream attention will be on his fellow rookie, quarterback Bryce Young.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
