Running Back
Starting running back: Reggie Bonnafon
Backups: Jeremy Smith/Malik Williams
The Louisville Cardinals backfield is the biggest question mark on offense entering 2017. Running back Brandon Radcliff departs after rushing for 903 yards and six rushing touchdowns.
After starting his career at quarterback in 2014, Reggie Bonnafon has been “Mr. Plug and Play” with the emergence of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Last season, he played wide receiver. This year, he’s worked as the team’s starting running back.
Bonnafon caught 13 passes for 159 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2016. In 2017, he’ll serve as the lead running back. He got a ton of reps at the running back position this past spring and did exceedingly well. Now, he’s number one on the depth chart with two other senior backs.
Running back Jeremy Smith suffered a foot injury in spring camp that sidelined him until July. Smith had 57 carries for 382 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last year. He had 6.7 yards per carry despite playing a limited role in the running game a season ago.
Another emerging running back is senior Malik Williams. Williams had 19 carries for 145 rushing yards (7.6 ypc) and a touchdown in 2016. Seeing as the Cardinals will be looking for a more balanced attack on offense, all three running backs will most likely split time and carries this upcoming season.