Breakdown of the contenders at running back — Saluki backfield is both crowded and talented
- Tom Weber
- Aug 2
- 5 min read
CARBONDALE, Ill. — In a crowded but talented backfield at SIU, running backs coach Larry Warner is excited to see which players emerge during camp to form the team’s playing rotation.
There are eight running backs on the roster this fall, and Warner said he expects every one of them to approach practice as if they’re the starter.
“We're gonna work like we're the starter so that when you get your opportunity, you'll be ready,” said Warner. “In our running back room, we're like brothers. So whoever's hot that day, that's who we’ll roll with. And then we'll be the biggest cheerleaders that we can be out there. And then when our opportunity comes, we're going to seize the moment.”
Here’s a breakdown of the contenders at running back with analysis from Warner.
#28 Lashaun Lester, 5-10, 210, Senior
Has played 22 games at SIU with 166 carries for 717 yards (4.3 avg) and 6 TDs. His breakout game was a 111-yard performance on 18 carries at Austin Peay last season.
“Lashaun’s been here a long time, but I think this is the best he's been in camp. He dealt with a lot injuries last year that kind of stopped him a little bit from being the guy that he thought he could be and what we thought he could be. But he’s doing really good. I'm proud of him, just the mental aspect with him, having the right frame of mind and coming to work every day, ready to prove something. I think he's going to have a great year.
#8 Chandler Chapman, 5-11, 210, Junior
A transfer who had 1,001 rushing yards and eight TDs in two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Chandler played at the same JUCO I did, so I have a good connection there with the coaches, and I pretty much watch all the games being an alum. Getting to see him in person and just falling in love with the way he played the game and the mentality that he brought, I thought he would be a great fit. We just kind of bonded off of being both from Gulf Coast and built a relationship. When you're talking about blocking, blitz pickup, he can run the ball inside and out, he just brings that tough mentality.”
#4 Edward Robinson, 5-11, 195, Sophomore
Sat out last season at SIU but was an impact player as a true freshman at Duquesne in 2023 with 662 yards and 8 TDs … A former three-star recruit from the Cleveland area.
“Eddie is doing good. He's the guy that we need to get out in space so he can execute. He’s learning the offense, picking things up and just getting back in the flow of things after being out of football for a year. I think as things progress for him through fall camp, he'll get better with reps.”
#25 Kayleb Wagner, 6-2, 220, Sophomore
Missed the entire 2024 season with an injury and had one carry in 2023 that went for a TD … A phenomenal high school player who rushed for 5,842 yards and 67 career touchdowns with a 9.9 average … Famous for breaking Derrick Henry’s state of Florida single-game record with 535 rushing yards on 25 carries.
“He’s another guy that missed last year, but K's doing good. He’s smart, has learned the offense, and his thing is just getting back comfortable, same as Ed — the more reps they get, the more comfortable they get with understanding the tempo and pace of things. I've seen a lot of big improvement since his freshman year being here and look for him to make big strides this year.
#32 Jimmy Athans, 5-8, 192, Junior
Played in all 12 games last season, mainly on special teams, but had 29 carries for 159 yards and 1 TD. His breakout game was a 73-yard performance at Missouri State that featured a 35-yard run.
“Jimmy’s a great, great kid, has worked extremely hard, comes to work every day with something to prove. He’s done a great job and made big strides this year. I look forward to him to continue to contribute on special teams and have a bigger role this year at the running back position.”
#24 Lem Wash, 5-10, 220, Senior
The brother of teammate Miles Wash, he’s played most of his college career as a backup QB at Tennessee Tech and South Dakota … In high school, he was named the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, passing for 1,313 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, while rushing for 1,292 yards and 20 scores.
“Lem is a smart guy, I call him our second running backs coach on the staff. He just bring that maturity that you look for. He’s really strong in the weight room. He squatted 600 pounds before fall camp. He's just a great kid and works extremely hard. I don't know if anybody's going to outwork him, and he has made a big jump, so I look forward to him doing some good things this season.”
#26 Quade Chatmon, 6-0, 205, Freshman
A true freshman from Kansas City who rushed for more than 1,400 yards with 17 TDs during his senior year, helping lead Lee’s Summit North to an 11-1 record, City and District championships.
“Quade had a big-time career in high school and is a smart, smart kid. You know he can run the ball, and now it's coming down to, can he pass pro? Can he do those things that they don't ask them to do in high school? But being able to run the ball, he has great vision, great feet.”
#33 Dedrick “DJ” Welch, 5-8, 163, Freshman
A walk-on from Louisiana who had 1,008 rushing yards, 169 receiving yards as a high school senior last year. Played for Saluki Hall of Famer Korey Lindsey at Liberty Magnet.
“DJ’s kind of a little guy, undersized, kind of like what I was, but he’s explosive. He's doing a great job. He’s come in business-like and is extremely smart. He has shown some great things in the run game. Korey told us he’s a great kid and someday I can see him being a leader.”
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