Louisville was blessed with two high end running backs in the backfield during the 2023 season with Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo, who both went on to be drafted to the NFL.
Since the Cardinals weren’t the most pass centric team, Jeff Brohm had to find another way to move the ball down the field, so he put the weight of the offense on Jordan and Guerendo and it was a major reason why Louisville catapulted to an 8-0 start to the season.
Now that the two-headed monster departed for the next level, Brohm will have his hands full trying to keep his ground game production similar to what it was a season ago. Brohm has utilized the transfer portal beautifully since taking this job, knowing how crucial it is to bring the best talent is. Former Toledo running back Peny Boone was supposed to be the best addition for this running back unit, but after he was named number two on the depth chart, Boone ended his short tenured career as a Cardinal in chaotic fashion by reentering the transfer portal a second time.
After Boone’s unexpected departure, Brohm had to turn to his next best option, which was Miami transfer running back Donald Chaney Jr.
Although he wasn’t expected to be the starter, Chaney impressed the coaching staff in the spring so much he was named number one on the depth chart over Boone and you can see he didn’t like that. Chaney worked his tail off and he got rewarded with the starting spot. He’s an explosive runner with great size for his position and when he’s in the open field he’s extremely dangerous. The 5’10 back is hard to tackle in the open field and this season will be huge for him to get back on NFL mock draft lists. Chaney does need to improve his catching ability to be more effective in this offense, because he hasn’t added that element to his game yet.
Running back number 2 as of right now is the returning guy, Maurice Turner. Not the biggest guy by any means, but he can sure get out in open space in a hurry. Turner is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, as well as run it. His ability to create separation from linebackers and safeties will give him the opportunity to be a focal point in Brohm’s offense, even if he doesn’t start. Turner showed some flashes a season ago, but this year is his chance to have a breakout season and the staff is excited to see him accept a bigger role.
Keyjaun Brown is the next running back up for the Cardinals. The true freshman only got carries in one game last year and it was a blowout win against Murray State, but Louisville’s coaching staff has been impressed with the progressions Brown has made in one offseason. So much so that some coaches believe that he arguably had the best spring out of all the running backs. Brown won’t be the first or second option to start the year, but his chance to display his ability will be here before he knows it.
Lastly, there’s two new freshmen additions to the team that are both talented. Isaac Brown and Duke Watson are next in line for Brohm down the road. Both Brown and Watson were ranked in the top 600 players in 2024 and they have the potential to contribute from day one if given the opportunity. Neither one will get that much burn this season, but they’ll have a chance to get in and showcase their talent at some point, most likely in a blowout game. Keep an eye out for those two, because their time is coming.
This running back unit isn’t as good as it was last year, but it’s still good enough to complement Louisville’s stellar defense and projected improved passing attack. It won’t be the focal point for Brohm this season, however there’s still plenty of talent and potential in this group and I believe they’ll be solid enough to impact the ground game.
