After talking about the newest LSU Tigers at the quarterback position, it is time to talk about the future at a position that has faired well in years past and that is the running back position.
The state of Louisiana has always been known for its running backs and this past year marks no exception. It is always good for LSU to acquire some of that talent right from their own state and they did just that at running back. From this year’s signing class, the Tigers only signed two running backs, but both were the top runners in the 2023 class for Louisiana including one running back that left his school as the state’s all-time leading rusher.
After a record breaking prep career at Union Parish High School where he left as Louisiana high school football’s all-time leading rusher, Trey Holly decided to take his record with him in the state that he broke the record down south to LSU. Holly has always been faithful to his commitment with the Tigers as he announced his commitment back in May and never wavered as he signed officially in the early signing period.
Holly is indeed a significant pickup for the Tigers as one of the most productive running backs in Louisiana history with 10,523 rushing yards and 146 touchdowns. Also, in his incredibly rare five year run at the varsity level as the Farmers’ RB1, he also accounted for 12,600 all-purpose yards and 160 total touchdowns. Despite having defenses keying on Holly, the multiple All-State selection had plenty of success and led his team to two state championship appearances.
Even with all the the carries and yards, Holly was incredibly durable and did not take any big hits. At only 5’8, 190 pounds, he may not be the biggest, but he is explosive and is tough to bring down with a strong lower body. The Union Parish all-time great finished as a four star prospect and was the number 15 ranked running back in the nation.
Holly is indeed a great addition, but he is not the only one at the position. There is also Liberty Magnet High School four star running back Kaleb Jackson, who decided to stay in his hometown of Baton Rouge and also play for the Tigers.
At 5’11, 222 pounds with 4.45/40 speed, Jackson looked like a man amongst boys as he possesses the deadly combination of both power and speed. The number one running back in the state of Louisiana not only excelled on the gridiron, but he also was a track standout as well finishing fourth in the 100 meter dash at the LHSAA outdoor state track meet.
Jackson made waves for the Patriots starting as a sophomore with 907 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He then followed up with an even bigger season in 2021 as a junior rushing for 2,031 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 14 yards per carry. After a spectacular junior season, he was limited with injuries that derailed his senior season.
Although he missed his senior season, Jackson already showed what kind of talent he was the previous couple of season as Louisiana’s top rated back entering the season. Jackson chose to commit to the Tigers before the season in July and ended up signing with LSU in the December early signing period. The local Baton Rouge product chose the Tigers over SEC West rivals Alabama and Texas A&M.
Both LSU head coach Brian Kelly and running back coach Frank Wilson got what they wanted and because of that, LSU will have a potential future one-two punch in the backfield right from their own backyard.
To read more about the future Tigers, check out the rest of our “Meet LSU’s Latest Additions” articles below. Next up, I will talk about the newest wide receivers to join the Tigers.
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