The biggest question mark facing this year’s team is running back. Who will replace the production of Cotton Bowl MVP, Senior Bowl Star and Tennessee Titan breakout candidate, Tyjae Spears. I could spend hours talking about Tyjae, but this article is about the next big thing. Pay your respects below then get ready for the next wave.
The contenders for RB1:
Shedro Lewis #0 (Senior Transfer)
122 Carries 529 Yards 8 Tuddies
Led all FBS Independent schools with his kick return average and ranked 22nd nationally
Shedro projects as a gadget player with his size (5’8 170) and speed (4.4) but he can run between the tackles and is a certified home run hitter. Always fun to see a kick return TD and running over a linebacker in the same highlight tape. He had the most carries of any back on the roster last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the first tailback to receive a carry week 1. Speed Kills
Shaadie Clayton-Johnson #2 (Sophomore)
57 Carries 333 Yards 2 Tuddies
The back that fans are most excited about in this group is Shaadie. The heir apparent to Tyjae put together a strong 2022 campaign: 100 yard game against Tulsa, 5.8 Yards per Carry and a near highlight reel run in the cotton bowl. Shaadie relies on his sub 4.4 speed and familiarity with the offense to bolster his chance to the be RB1. Standing 6’1 205, SCJ seems ready to handle 20+ totes per game. The favorite to get early down and goal line work. Expect SCJ to start the season hungry to win the job.
Iverson Celestine #8 (Sophomore)
70 Carries 302 Yards 0 Tuddies
Tough to pick the best name in the RB room between shaadie and iverson. The hometown kid from Mandeville was not as productive as SCJ last year but saw the larger number of carries. A workmanly 4 yards per carry and a 2 year body of work makes IC a solid 3rd to Shedro and Shaadies 1A and 1B.
Who will take the bull by the horns and grab the starting job? We will find out week one but even with Tyjae gone, this team’s running game is in good hands. Expect 150+ on the ground week 1 against South Alabama. Hold me to it
-Mr. Paradise
Tulane Football Blog 
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