RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesJul. 30—VERMILLION, S.D. — Plenty of questions surround the University of South Dakota football's offense as the Coyotes officially opened fall camp Wednesday, July 29.
Who wins the starting quarterback job? Who are the five offensive linemen that will protect him? Which receivers emerge as the top targets? Who becomes the primary tight end?
But through all of the uncertainty, there is one position group that enters camp with absolutely no question marks: Running back.
If anything, the Coyotes may have the deepest and most talented running back room not only in the Missouri Valley Football Conference but across the entire FCS. While the offense develops a new quarterback, rebuilt offensive line and receiving corps, USD's experienced ball carriers are expected to shoulder much of the offensive load early in the season.
"If people are saying we're the best in the country, that just motivates us even more," USD running back Keyondray Jones-Logan said. "We never take a step backwards, and we are always fighting to be better each and every day. If everybody says we could be the best, let's prove we're the best."
Fortunately for the Coyotes, that's nothing new.
Over the past two seasons, USD has consistently produced some of the nation's top running backs. In 2024, Charles Pierre Jr. and Travis Theis combined for more than 2,300 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns, with Pierre leading the Valley in rushing. After Pierre suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2 last fall, L.J. Phillips Jr. stepped in and had the greatest rushing season in program history, breaking USD's single-season rushing and rushing touchdown records while leading the entire FCS in rushing yards before transferring to Iowa.
Now, another loaded group is ready to carry it forward.
Pierre returns for his senior season healthy after spending much of the spring easing his way back from injury. Now, fully participating in individual drills and team periods in fall camp, the 2024 third team All-American and first team all-MVFC selection looks ready to reclaim his spot among the nation's best after rushing for a conference-best 1,244 yards and 16 touchdowns during his breakout sophomore campaign.
"Since I have been here, our running backs room has always been loaded, so for us, it's not really out of the ordinary," Pierre said. "It's a really good experience to have such a deep room, because we have games where we play all four of our running backs. Younger or older, everyone comes in and contributes, and it's a good feeling that we can keep everybody fresh, as well."
Pierre isn't returning alone. Jones-Logan, a junior, is back after missing last season due to injury. One of the most versatile athletes on the roster, Jones-Logan gives offensive coordinator Tim Morrison a unique chess piece capable of lining up at running back, receiver or really anywhere across the formation. His speed and explosiveness provide a different aspect than anyone else in the room.
"Personally, obviously last year sucked, but I am honestly just coming back and doing anything I can to help the team win," Jones-Logan said. "I have seen this team win in so many ways since my freshman year, and the way we always battle and fight back. People always count us out, but that is OK. I am just playing for the guys next to me. I love them, and I wouldn't do anything without them."
Sophomore Carson Fletcher also returns after an impressive freshman campaign. Fletcher finished second on the team in rushing with 478 yards and a touchdown while earning a scholarship following his debut as a dependable physical runner.
Sophomore Reid Watkins rounds out the experienced quartet after totaling 308 rushing yards and a score as the team's third-leading rusher last season. Like Fletcher, Watkins earned a scholarship after arriving from Texas and has steadily carved out a significant role within the rotation.
"We all complement each other very well, and we all bring something different to the table," Jones-Logan said. "Charles is like a slasher, you know, he is one cut downhill with powerful speed. Carson is a bruiser, and Reid is just an every-down back. So, just having that company next to you makes you feel more comfortable in the situations that you go in because you don't really feel like it is all on you."
For USD running backs coach Dante Warren, he believes this year's group can become even more valuable because of its versatility. During Wednesday's first practice, the Coyotes frequently used two-running back formations, a trend Warren expects to continue throughout the season.
"I feel good going into games with five (running backs)," Warren said. "And 25% of the time we have got two or more backs on the field at a time. We've added to their plate quite a bit this spring, and not just in the backfield, so we may bump that up to 30% or 35%. These guys understand that they're a big part of this offense and they need to be on the field."
Those multiple-back looks could become important as the Coyotes search for starters on offense. With a new quarterback settling into the starting role and several new faces expected to play significant snaps along the offensive line and at receiver, Warren believes the veteran running backs can provide more than production.
"We just need to continue to develop the leadership on this team," Warren said. "We've got unproven guys at the quarterback position and offensive line, and these guys are proven. They can help galvanize this offense, which we're going to need. We're young all around, or we're transferred in, so someone's going to have to be the voice, and this group has been here to do that."
Pierre embraces that responsibility. While his individual accomplishments speak for themselves, the ...
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