During a zoom meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal provided a scouting report on new running back Lucious Stanley. Stanley was signed by Miami earlier this week as a transfer from UAB. Miami needed to add Stanley after losing RBs Don Chaney Jr. and Tre’Vonte Citizen during training camp.
Lucious Stanley ran for 1,081 yards, averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns in parts of five seasons with UAB. As a true freshman in 2017, Stanley had only 11 carries before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Stanley joins Thad Franklin, Jaylan Knighton and Henry Parrish in the Miami backfield.
Knighton and Parrish are third-year sophomores due to the extra year grated via covid. Franklin is a true sophomore. Citizen is expected to miss the entire season with a torn ACL. Chaney is expected to return at some point this season with what was reported to be a hip injury. Lucious Stanley provides Miami with versatility.
Cristobal praised the skills Stanley showed on film at UAB. The transfer portal allowed Miami to add Stanley late because of the transfer portal. In the past, Miami would have played about half the season with three RBs until Chaney was ready to return. Stanley has already impressed Cristobal at practice on Wednesday.
"“Lucious has had a really good career…He’s got a lot of experience. He’s a big guy. He can accelerate. He’s got great balance. If you watch his film he’s made some explosive plays. We’re always searching. The portal allows some wiggle room during this time of year. it’s very narrow, very slim, and certain parameters have to be met.It just so happens he was there in the portal and we needed someone at that position. “He’s been here for a couple days. He’s in good shape. He’s already been through camp from what I understand. And today you really saw him carry the ball and protect and do some things where you feel that, ‘Man, this guy is a really good football player.He’s going to help us.’’"
Stanley could potentially contribute on special teams in addition to RB. Adding more experience to the roster should also be helpful. At 6’0, 215 pounds, Stanley is the second biggest healthy RB on the Miami roster. Franklin is 6’0, 240 pounds. Expect Knighton and Parrish to share the majority of the carries early.
Miami will be able to ease Stanley in during the first two weeks versus Bethune-Cookman on Saturday and Southern Mississippi next week. Expect by the time Miami plays at Texas A&M on September 17 for Knighton and Parrish to share the featured back duties. Miami has contingency plans with more RB injuries.