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Deonta McMahon was one of the few bright spots offensively for McNeese in 2022.
The senior rushed for 1,408 yards and 12 touchdowns to be the complete leader of the Cowboys offense, including games of 211, 197, and 239 yards respectively in the final three wins of the season.
How can Gary Goff replace that production in the rushing attack?
D’Angelo Durham
Durham was the second most productive back for McNeese in 2022, as the junior from Savannah State gained 340 yards on the ground with three touchdowns on the season.
Now that McMahon is gone, Durham will be the leader of the group and will be expected to carry the workload in what should be a high-powered offense in 2023.
Josh Parker
Parker is the other running back coming back from the 4-7 season in 2022. The Baton Rouge native rushed for 164 yards and one touchdown in Gary Goff’s first season for the Cowboys.
Having played for one of the best high school programs in the state, there’s a ton that Parker brings to this team. However, it” be intriguing to see how he responds to being one of the top guys in the system when he hasn’t had that role since his time with Catholic.
Cam Thomas
I have a feeling Thomas will be a spark plug for the Cowboys.
After playing for the best JUCO in America last season, Thomas comes to Lake Charles looking for an opportunity. He ran for 824 and eight touchdowns with the Lions last season while also being an Academic All-American. He’s got a ton of speed and will be a fun watch in the Southland
As a high school senior, he tied for the national lead for yards in a season with 3,517. He also led his team to a state title in his senior year.
Others to Watch
Coleby Hamm comes to Lake Charles from Tyler JC. He originally signed to play at Air Force out of high school. While at Tyler JC, Ham was named to the President’s List with a 4.0 GPA.
Reggie Haywood is an incoming freshman from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played his high school ball at Calvary Christian Academy.
Joshon Barbie is a redshirt freshman from Harvey, LA, and West Jeff High School. At 5’9″ and 180 pounds, he’s an athletic back that will look to make some plays for the Cowboys.
Dennis Gardere is a freshman from Sam Houston High School. I watched him play against Southside HS last year and he’s a special player. A hard-nosed, downhill runner that can break away in the second level.
Ivory Roberts is the final Cowboy on the running back list. He’s a 5’7″, 190-pounder from Houston, Texas, and Westfield High School.