Caden Durham, a true freshman, may be the next great running back for the LSU Tigers. The names of Kevin Faulk, Derrius Guice, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Leonard Fournette are familiar to every LSU supporter. Talented, game-changing running backs have a long history with the Tigers. Despite being young, Durham is already becoming well-known among those names at LSU.
A devastating 27–20 loss to the USC Trojans kicked off the 2024 season. John Emery Jr., a sixth-year senior, was the starting running back at the time. After an ACL tear ended his previous season, Emery was expected to make a strong return. Emery ran for 61 yards on 10 runs during his strong effort against the Trojans. Tragically, Emery’s 2024 season would come to an end three days later when he suffered yet another ACL tear during practice.
The LSU Tigers would attempt to rely on sophomore Kaleb Johnson and senior running back Josh Williams in the next game. Garrett Nussmeier, the Tigers’ first-year starting quarterback, led the team to a 44-21 victory over Nicholls State after the two of them could only muster 38 yards on the ground.
Since Clyde Edwards-Helaire and their winning National Championship squad in 2019, the Tigers haven’t had a running back capable of taking over a game. Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Award-winning quarterback, had to provide the spectacular runs in the previous two years. Going into 2024, Emery was the Tigers’ best option for their rushing assault because Daniels was chosen in the NFL Draft.
The LSU offense was struggling, and the upcoming season appeared to be going to be a lengthy one. LSU would soon find themselves 17 points behind South Carolina in their third game. Before true freshman Caden Durham took a handoff 26 yards for a score and provided the spark the Tigers offense needed, they were having trouble moving the ball. In this game, Durham would continue to make an impression, finishing with two touchdowns and 98 running yards on 11 carries. After a strong comeback, the LSU Tigers defeated South Carolina 36–33.
An LSU Tigers star is born.
Tigers of LSU When the LSU Tigers play the South Alabama Jaguars at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, running back Caden Durham 29 scores a touchdown. September 28, 2024, Saturday.
Against South Alabama, Caden Durham, a running back for the LSU Tigers, would demonstrate his explosiveness. On only seven carries, Durham would gallop for 128 yards and a touchdown. Durham would also add another score through the air after catching three catches for 89 yards. Due to a foot ailment, Durham would depart the game in the first half and never come back. But despite his injuries, he continued to play when the Tigers faced SEC foe Ole Miss. It’s difficult to determine how much Durham’s injured foot was influencing his running style and explosive burst because he had trouble finding much room to go against Ole Miss.
Fans of LSU didn’t have to wait long to realize that Caden Durham was a threat to rival teams even when he wasn’t feeling well. Last Saturday, LSU faced the Arkansas Razorbacks, an SEC opponent. From the beginning to the end, the LSU Tigers would dominate, winning 34–10. Caden Durham, who ran for 103 yards and three touchdowns, would be a crucial component of the Tigers’ success. With more than 100 yards running and at least three touchdowns in a game, Durham would become the first LSU true freshman since 1995. Additionally, Caden would be the first person in LSU history to accomplish so against an SEC rival.
What Will Happen to the LSU Tigers Next?
Tigers of LSU When the LSU Tigers play the South Alabama Jaguars at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, running back Caden Durham 29 scores a touchdown. September 28, 2024, Saturday.
Currently ranked eighth in the nation, the LSU Tigers have won six consecutive games. They have a significant road test ahead of them and are tied for first place in the SEC. This following week, LSU will play No. 14 Texas A&M at the home of the 12th man. Even though the Tigers will be playing in a challenging setting, head coach Brian Kelly should have this squad prepared. Caden Durham, a rookie running back, has particularly pleased Kelly, who has praised his excellent vision and ability to persevere despite injuries. Additionally, Durham has been playing at only 80–85% health, as Kelly would point out. This raises the issue of how explosive Durham can be when fully healthy, given that he is creating LSU history while not fully recovered.
Throughout the history of the program, the LSU Tigers have produced some outstanding running backs. Durham is only a freshman, but the fact that he is already having such an impact suggests that LSU supporters may be seeing a future superstar. Durham might play for the Tigers for another two or three years before going pro, especially if NIL is a component of collegiate football. Don’t be shocked if Caden Durham breaks more records if he can maintain his health and continue to produce at this level. Durham possesses the quickness, agility, and ball carrier vision necessary to establish himself as one of college football’s most formidable running backs for many years to come.
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