2024 - Fall Camp Preview: The Running Backs

The Running Back Room:

This is among the ACC's (and perhaps nations) best collections of RB talent.   That starts with potential All-American who is backed up by three experienced former blue chip recruits and a very promising and explosive Sophomore back coming off an impressive debut season.  The room has combined for almost 4000 rushing yards, 42 TDs and an average of nearly 6 yards per carry.  This group has the potential for greatness if the offensive line can do its part and a strong vertical passing game emerges as planned

Departures:

Bear Insider

RB Jaydn Ott

-  Isaiah Ifanse:  365 yards rushing, 5.2 ypc, 7 rushing TDs, 8 receptions, 50 yards, 1 receiving TD

-  Ashton Stredick:  200 yards rushing, 4.7 ypc, 2 rushing TDs, 4 receptions, 27 yards

Additions:

• Kadarius Calloway‍:  6’, 220 Senior, 623 yards rushing, 7.1 ypc, 5 TDs, 8 receptions, 48 yards, 1 receiving TD
• Jamaal Wiley‍:  6’1, 225 Freshman, 3 star recruit, 86 aggregate rating, #51 RB by ESPN

Returners:

• Jaydn Ott‍:  6’, 210 Junior, 2200 yards rushing, 5.2 ypc, 20 rushing TDs, 71 receptions, 514 yards and 5 receiving TDs
• Byron Cardwell‍:  6’, 215 RS Sophomore, 493 rushing yards, 6.8 ypc, 4 rushing TDs, 8 receptions, 37 yards and 1 receiving TD
• Justin Williams-Thomas‍: 6’, 205 RS Sophomore, 128 yards, 4.0 ypc, 1 reception, 7 yards
  

  Bear Insider

  RB Kadarius Calloway

   

• Jaivian Thomas‍: 5’10, 190, Sophomore, 118 rushing yards, 6.1 ypc, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 24 yards and 1 receiving TD

Projected Depth Chart entering Fall Camp:

Ott

Calloway

Cardwell

Thomas

Williams Thomas

Wiley

Three Things to Watch:

Will the Running Backs stay healthy?   Last season Cardwell went down with a season-ending

Bear Insider

RB Justin Williams-Thomas

injury after a very promising Spring, Ifanse was later lost for the year and Jaivian Thomas was similarly sidelined after taking a scary hit.  Calloway comes to Cal with a history of challenges with his health and JWT was hurt in this year's Spring game. The good news is that Ott has been very durable and there is depth here to survive a few guys going down, especially if incoming freshman Jamaal Wiley, who we believe is an underrated prospect can contribute if needed. Other than JWT, the entire group will enter Fall Camp ready to go.

How big of a year can Jaydn Ott have in 2024?    Jaydn has All-American aspirations and those are not out of place given Cal’s improved offensive line, Mike Bloesch’s historic success with running offenses and his immense talent.  Ott’s added

Bear Insider

RB Jaivian Thomas

five pounds of muscle to his lower body and wants to improve his decisiveness to the hole and his ability to break tackles.  His acceleration is sublime and his patience and vision are reminiscent of former NFL great Le’Veon Bell.  Jaydn’s an outstanding receiver and blitz pick-up blocker and is the clear star of this Bears team

How will the battle for backup carries resolve itself?   Look for Bloesch and RB coach Aristotle Thompson to play four RBs this season even if everyone is healthy.  Keeping Ott

Bear Insider

RB Byron Cardwell

fresh is important and Cal will have special packages in short yardage situations and for Jaivian “the Jet” Thomas given his explosiveness.  Calloway was one of the stars of Spring Football and if he can stay healthy, he will be tough to keep off the field.  With Cardwell, it’s likely going to depend on how fully recovered he is from last year’s knee injury.  If he’s 100%, he’s likely to have a role as is the bulked-up Jet, who gained nearly 20lbs this offseason without losing much in the way of speed.  

Related:

2024 Fall Camp Preview - Quarterbacks