For the last few years, the running game has been the bread and butter for the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns.
That running game took a bit of a hit in 2022 in the first year under Michael Desormeaux. They battled injuries and just lacked an offensive identity.
Can the Cajuns get back to being that ground-and-pound offense? Let’s look at the running back group.
Dre’Lyn Washington
Washington comes into the 2023 season with probably the most potential in the room. He ran for 350 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
Washington is a downhill runner that has bruising power and he’s got sneaky agility with the way he makes his cuts. It’s looking like he could have a big role in the offense in 2023.
Terrence Williams
Williams has seen time in his program since arriving in Lafayette in 2021. He was highly touted out of Many as a guy who could play just about anywhere, but Billy Napier saw the most potential at running back.
Williams has shown flashes during his first two years, rushing for 373 yards and a touchdown in 2022.
Jacob Kibodi
Kibodi had a very small role in the offense last season, only carrying the ball 37 times in nine games. However, this spring has been good for Kibodi, as the talk has been he’s one of the better running backs in camp.
The Texas A&M transfer has always looked promising with his super athletic build and crazy power, but the question was always whether or not it would translate to the field.
Those questions will be answered soon as he’s expected to have a bigger load in 2023.
Zylan Perry
This kid is going to be fun.
Perry comes to Lafayette from Mamou where he played quarterback and really just did it all. He’s been the talk of the room ever since arriving on campus, but injuries plagued him last year. Perry only appeared in three games for the Cajuns, getting 63 yards.
He has the speed of Elijah Mitchell and the agility of Chris Smith, which is a very dangerous combination. If Perry can stay healthy during the 2023 season, I believe he shows off his skills in a big way and provides a spark offensively for a team that needs to get back to its identity.
Matt Miguez is the host of the Miguez Mindset Podcast. Follow him on Twitter at @MiguezMatt and find the podcast on our YouTube channel @espn_swla.