LSU Tigers running backs look ready to step up for 2024 college football season as fall camp kicks off

The LSU running back room faces a tall task heading into the 2024 college football season. They need to figure out how to replace the dynamism that quarterback Jayden Daniels brought last season as a runner to help support new starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

Both Daniels and two of the LSU Tigers' top three running backs (Logan Diggs and Noah Cain) last season are now gone. So who will step up and dominate this fall taking advantage of a massive opportunity in 2024 as fall camp kicks off?

LSU Running Back Fall Camp Preview

Projected Starting Running Backs

• Kaleb Jackson
• Josh Williams

Throughout the spring graduate student running back Josh Williams was the primary lead back, but former top tier four star Kaleb Jackson spent plenty of time with the first team as well. And while Williams is certainly talented, if there's going to be a truly special talent that breaks out in the backfield this year it's going to be Jackson.

Last season Jackson only touched the ball 37 times, but when he did he made it count. Just watch him absolutely blow away a Mississippi State defender last season in this highlight below:

Kaleb Jackson plays with otherworldly strength and balance. If he adds a bit more value as a receiver this year too he may grow into the team's lead back early in the season. However, when week one rolls around Josh Williams might actually be the guy.

Why would that be the case if he's a slightly less impressive athlete and doesn't bring the same upside? To use two overly used platitudes that are just simply too accurate to avoid using: consistency and grit. Just watch Williams on the wide receiver sweep below.

Even when he doesn't have the ball Williams goes out of his way to execute each assignment perfectly and with every ounce of effort. It's that kind of aggression and energy that keeps him in significant roles for the Tigers. He very likely holds down the true starting spot at least to begin the season, but definitely look for Jackson to expand his role as the year progresses.

Related: LSU Tigers wide receivers look like they could be key to 2024 college football success as fall camp kicks off

Projected Backup Running Backs

• Caden Durham
• John Emery Jr.
• Trey Holly

Many LSU fans are far more familiar with John Emery Jr. and Trey Holly than they are Caden Durham, but it's likely for the wrong reasons.

John Emery Jr. was supposed to be the next big thing at running back as a five star coming out of high school, but continually struggled to keep his grades up. And most recently he actually attempted to transfer away in the spring window, but ended up changing his mind announcing his intention to return to LSU for one more year. He's a low upside bandaid backup at this point.

Trey Holly was also showing promise early and had one of the most productive high school careers ever, but also suffered with off-field issues (to put it lightly). His legal battle (via a second degree murder charge that was dropped to lesser accusations) has complicated his future with LSU, but hopefully he keeps his head on straight.

Caden Durham has the best shot at earning the third running back role for LSU as a true freshman this fall thanks to the unique skill set he brings. Durham's 4x200-meter track relay team set national high school track records this past spring and his sub-10.3-second 100-meter time immediately makes him one of the fastest players in the entire sport from day one. That speed likely gets him in the mix early during fall camp. Expect to hear about him flashing right away in the coming weeks.

Related: Three potential LSU Tigers breakout players for the 2024 college football season

Overall Running Back Outlook

Despite losing Logan Diggs to Ole Miss and Noah Cain aging out LSU's running back depth looks strong. Josh Williams' experience and leadership will be key. Kaleb Jackson's strength and angry running style should wear defenses down any time he touches the ball. Caden Durham's speed should swing a few games this season if he's given significant opportunity too. Replacing Jayden Daniels' running ability completely might be impossible, but the backfield looks like they're in great shape to put up strong numbers.

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