The LSU Tigers have consistently had a stable of quality running backs during the Les Miles Era in Baton Rouge. The 2013 season should be no different, although exactly which running backs will be carrying the load has not yet been determined.
The biggest question mark in Bayou country is the status of sophomore running back Jeremy Hill, who led the Tigers in rushing last season with 755 yards.
Hill had an impressive stretch of three consecutive 100-yard rushing games against quality opponents in the middle of last season, as he topped the century mark against the South Carolina Gamecocks (124 yards), the Texas A&M Aggies (127) and the Alabama Crimson Tide (107). However, Hill has had some trouble with the law during the offseason, and his status for the 2013 campaign remains up in the air.
With or without Hill, LSU should have a productive running game. Senior Alfred Blue is back for the Tigers after suffering a knee injury in Week 3 last year. At the time of the injury, Blue was second in the Southeastern Conference in rushing at 112 yards per outing. Blue had career highs for the season of 539 yards rushing and seven touchdowns as a sophomore.
Junior running back Kenny Hilliard also returns for LSU. Last season, Hilliard carried 82 times for 464 yards and six touchdowns. Hilliard was named to the SEC’s All-Freshman team by the coaches in 2011 after rushing for 336 yards and eight touchdowns.
Miles hired Cam Cameron to be the offensive coordinator for the Tigers this season, and LSU hopes that they can throw the ball more effectively and stretch the field during the 2013 season. If they can do that, it could open running lanes for their talented backfield. And if Hill is reinstated at some point during the season, the three-headed monster carrying the football would bode well for LSU’s fortunes this season.
