Cards Will Have Depth At The Running Back Position

Between all four running backs on Louisville’s depth chart, the Cards only return six rushing touchdowns and a rushing leader who ran for just 533 yards last season. Not terrible numbers by any means, but definitely nothing worth bragging about. However, it’s hard to argue that the running back position isn’t the deepest position for the Cards this season. Dominique Brown, Jeremy Wright, Senorise Perry and Corvin Lamb should all get a considerable amount of carries.

I think at this point, the first string spot is Dominique Brown’s to lose. Brown led the team in rushing last year season after being the third string quarterback for the first two games. The 6-2 227 lb. Cincinnati native went from spending the majority of his time on the sidelines to being Louisville’s every down back. As much promise as Brown showed last season, some people forget how new the running back position was to him. Running back coach Kenny Carter has spoken very highly of Brown’s progression throughout the spring to become a more natural ball carrier.

Jeremy Wright had a very solid redshirt freshman season in 2010, backing up Bilal Powell. Many people, including myself expected Wright to have a big season last year, but a knee injury limited his carries. As long as Wright can stay healthy, I think he will challenge Brown for the first string spot. Regardless of who starts, both guys will receive a lot of carries.

The most intriguing running back on the depth chart in my opinion is Senorise Perry. The Summerville, GA. Native was recruited as a defensive back/athlete and spent the first part of his Louisville career as a cornerback. Regardless of where Perry is on the field, he’s proven that he is a playmaker. He showed a lot of upside last season at running back and on special teams as well. Perry is as good of an athlete as anyone on the Louisville team and has NFL speed. Charlie Strong said Perry had a tremendous spring.

Redshirt freshman Corvin Lamb might not receive as many carries as the rest of the running backs, but if he finds a hole, don’t be surprised if he takes it to the house. Lamb has tremendous speed and greatly benefited from being able to redshirt last season. He was a track and field star in high school and has embraced the nickname “Lambo”

Charlie Strong has made it no secret that he strives to have a team that can run the ball. In his third season at the helm, Coach Strong may have his group best running backs yet.