College Running Back Transfers Set to Shine
Welcome to New Teams and New Dreams. College football running backs may transfer to schools for various reasons. Perhaps they are in pursuit of better opportunities. Sometimes they transfer to learn from a more experienced coaching staff. They may also join a new team in hopes of increased exposure. Transferring to a school with a more prominent football program can enhance a player’s chances of being noticed. Additionally, running backs may seek out teams with offensive schemes that better suit their playing style. This reasoning would allow them to showcase their skills more effectively. Enhanced facilities, a stronger support system, and a higher level of competition can also contribute to
On the other hand, transferring schools also comes with significant challenges. Adjusting to a new team’s playbook and coaching style can be difficult. A running back may face a learning curve that temporarily hampers their performance. Building chemistry with new teammates takes time, which can affect on-field cohesion. There may also be different competition in the backfield or adaptation to new environments. Furthermore, transferring could benefit a running back, however, the beginning stages may be difficult. Below I will discuss 5 running back transfers that hope to pursue new dreams on new teams.
Ja’Quinden Jackson, RB (Arkansas)
Embed from Getty ImagesJa’Quinden Jackson’s transfer from Utah to Arkansas has the potential to significantly bolster the Razorbacks’ offense. Jackson brings exceptional patience as a runner with a keen ability to find and exploit holes for substantial gains. 65.8% of his yards have come after contact. His running style allows blocks to develop while recognizing the optimal moments to accelerate through openings in the defense. This patience, combined with his vision, enables him to consistently break through initial lines of defense. Plus, his speed helps turn routine plays into explosive, game-changing runs. The Razorbacks will benefit from having Jackson after losing running back Raheim Sanders to South Carolina.
Additionally, Jackson’s experience as a high school quarterback equips him with a comprehensive understanding of defensive schemes and play development. The knowledge gained enhances his decision-making and anticipation on the field. On another note, this background allows him to better read defenses, predict movements, and make quick adjustments. This alone gives him a strategic edge in navigating the complex defensive alignments he will face in the SEC. Jackson should be locked in as the RB1 for Arkansas. They will look to utilize all his abilities to maximize the potential of their offense.
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2021 | Utah | Pac-12 | FR | QB | 3 | 6 | 30 | 5.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 30 | 5.0 | 1 | |
| *2022 | Utah | Pac-12 | FR | RB | 12 | 78 | 531 | 6.8 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 79 | 539 | 6.8 | 9 |
| *2023 | Utah | Pac-12 | SO | RB | 12 | 161 | 797 | 5.0 | 4 | 9 | 53 | 5.9 | 0 | 170 | 850 | 5.0 | 4 |
| Career | Utah | 245 | 1358 | 5.5 | 14 | 10 | 61 | 6.1 | 0 | 255 | 1419 | 5.6 | 14 | ||||
Kedrick Reescano, RB (Arizona)
Embed from Getty ImagesKedrick Reescano’s transfer to Arizona could have a significant boost to the Wildcat’s offense. He brings a dynamic running style with a versatile skill set. Reescano runs with power between the tackles, but also is an effective pass catcher. As a senior at New Caney High School, he averaged 14.6 yards per catch. His vision combined with his quick acceleration allows him to be a threat between the tackles and in open space. He also brings great contact balance, absorbing the hit, yet continuously moving the chains. He got overshadowed at Ole Miss by other running backs, however, with a new team comes a new dream.
Reescano can be a dual-threat type of back that can keep defenses off balance and enhance the Wildcats’ offensive versatility. The downside is he will have competition with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Quali Conley. However, with his work ethic and playmaking ability, Reescano is poised to elevate Arizona’s offense. He has the frame to be a three-down back, but the elusiveness to become the change-of-pace runner. An addition like Reescano can create more scoring opportunities and provide a reliable centerpiece for the Arizona offense.
Dante Dowdell, RB (Nebraska)
Embed from Getty ImagesDante Dowdell has the potential to be a transformative player for the Nebraska offense. After being recruited to Oregon last season Dowdell never got a true opportunity to showcase his skills. In this new offense led by freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, he will look to carve out a role. Dowdell brings a combination of size, speed, and vision. Standing at 6’2 and weighing 210 pounds, Dowdell possesses the physicality to break tackles and gain tough yards after contact. His speed allows him to outrun defenders turning short gains into explosive plays. Additionally, his vision and patience enable him to find and exploit gaps in the defense. He has reliable hands too allowing him to be effective in passing situations. Dowdell’s versatility can provide Nebraska with a dynamic weapon capable of keeping defenses off-balance. This could allow the Nebraska offense to open up their playbook with a more creative offensive strategy. Dowdell can become a critical asset in dismantling opposing defenses and elevating Nebraska’s offensive performance.
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2023 | Oregon | Pac-12 | FR | RB | 6 | 17 | 90 | 5.3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 90 | 5.3 | 1 | |
| Career | Oregon | 17 | 90 | 5.3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 90 | 5.3 | 1 | |||||
Nate Noel, RB (Missouri)
Embed from Getty ImagesNate Noel will bring agility, speed, and playmaking ability to the Missouri running game. He is smaller back standing at 5’10 with about 190 pounds of strength. Known for his quick acceleration and elusive running style, Noel excels at making defenders miss in open space. His vision and decisiveness allow him to identify and exploit defensive gaps swiftly. Additionally, Noel’s productivity at Appalachian State demonstrated an ability to handle a heavy workload while maintaining high performance. In fact, during his 4-year career with Appalachian State, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry. His skill set not only enhances the run game but also opens up play-action opportunities.
On another note, Missouri also gained another running back through the transfer portal in former Georgia State back Marcus Carroll. Carroll will be coming over after his breakout season of finally eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing. He brings a bigger frame than Noel. This should allow Missouri to have a nice thunder (Carroll) and lightning (Noel) type of backfield.
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2020 | Appalachian State | Sun Belt | FR | RB | 10 | 82 | 510 | 6.2 | 3 | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 | 84 | 535 | 6.4 | 3 |
| *2021 | Appalachian State | Sun Belt | SO | RB | 14 | 199 | 1126 | 5.7 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 2.0 | 0 | 207 | 1142 | 5.5 | 4 |
| 2022 | Appalachian State | Sun Belt | SO | RB | 9 | 87 | 604 | 6.9 | 6 | 24 | 145 | 6.0 | 0 | 111 | 749 | 6.7 | 6 |
| *2023 | Appalachian State | Sun Belt | JR | RB | 11 | 173 | 834 | 4.8 | 5 | 16 | 86 | 5.4 | 0 | 189 | 920 | 4.9 | 5 |
| Career | Appalachian State | 541 | 3074 | 5.7 | 18 | 50 | 272 | 5.4 | 0 | 591 | 3346 | 5.7 | 18 | ||||
Mario Anderson, RB (Memphis)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe hope is that Mario Anderson will be utilized in a versatile role similar to Blake Watson. Watson thrived as a dual-threat running back, effectively contributing both in the rushing attack and as a pass-catching option. A role Anderson is well-equipped to emulate. Anderson possesses a solid blend of agility, speed, and hands, making him a reliable target for short and intermediate passes. His ability to run precise routes and maintain strong ball security can provide Memphis with an offensive weapon capable of keeping defenses guessing. By leveraging Anderson’s comprehensive skill set, Memphis can continue the legacy of using multifaceted running backs to diversify and enhance its offensive strategy.
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2023 | South Carolina | SEC | SR | RB | 12 | 143 | 707 | 4.9 | 3 | 22 | 153 | 7.0 | 1 | 165 | 860 | 5.2 | 4 |
| Career | South Carolina | 143 | 707 | 4.9 | 3 | 22 | 153 | 7.0 | 1 | 165 | 860 | 5.2 | 4 | ||||
Honorable Mentions:
Ohio State – Quinshon Judkins formerly Ole Miss
Miami – Damien Martinez formerly Oregon State
Georgia – Trevor Etienne formerly Florida
South Carolina – Raheim Sanders formerly Arkansas
North Carolina State – Jordan Waters formerly Duke
Kentucky – Deamonte Trayanum formerly Ohio State
Oregon – Jay Harris formerly Northwest Missouri State
Do not miss out on our Devy Diamonds series where S.C. Romero highlights potential NFL prospects. Stay up to date with all our videos and articles coming out by following @TheFFUniverse on X.
