Miami football running back depth chart entering spring practice
The Miami football team has significantly increased the depth at running back during the 2022 offseason. Miami added Mississippi transfer Henry Parrish and signed four-star 2022 RB TreVonte Citizen. Jaylan Knighton returns for Miami as the starting RB with Don Chaney Jr., Thad Franklin and Cody Brown.
After Miami lost returning starting RB Cam’Ron Harris and Chaney who was projected to be the backup in 2021, Knighton thrived as the starter in the final eight games of the 2022 season. Knighton finished with 561 rushing yards and eight touchdowns with 20 receptions for 280 yards and another three TDs.
Knighton had three games with over 160 total yards last season. Spring practice will begin with Knighton likely topping the depth chart at RB. Chaney ran for 322 yards and three TDs and added 11 receptions for 143 yards in 2021 before missing most of the 2021 season with a torn ACL.
Franklin developed throughout the season in 2021. As a true freshman Franklin finished the 2021 season with 172 yards and one TD. Brown had 139 yards and three TDs. Citizen and Parrish are expected to challenge for carries in 2022. Parrish had 814 rushing yards and five TDs and 21 receptions for 232 yards for Mississippi.
Citizen is the 108th ranked player and 10th ranked RB in the Class of 2022. The incoming freshman will be the highest-rated RB on the Miami football roster. Spring will be important to set the depth chart at RB entering the spring and summer. New RB coach Kevin Smith is highly regarded.
Smith coached Parrish at Mississippi before Mario Cristobal hired him for the Miami staff. Parrish was one of three Mississippi RBs who ran for over 500 yards last season and combined for 21 rushing TDs and 400 plus yards receiving. New Miami offensive coordinator Josh Gattis also likes to use his RBs as receivers.
Chaney will likely miss spring practice as he continues to rehab from his torn ACL. Knighton has to be more than an explosive player. Franklin balanced out Knighton getting Miami tough yards late in games over the final month of the season. Parrish could become the do-everything back if Chaney is not recovered early in the season.
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Citizen is the wildcard. It is often difficult to receive significant snaps as a true freshman. With the depth Miami has at RB, that will make it even more difficult for Citizen to earn significant playing time in 2022. The talent Citizen has might make him too good to keep off the field. Brown will likely just add depth.