Noah Cain identifies trait LSU running backs must show to get carries

In an LSU offense that returns dynamic dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels and 1,000-yard receiver Malik Nabers, carries for the running backs could be harder to come by.

That’s why LSU’s RB unit needs to be ready to hear their number called at a moment’s notice. With plenty of options and no established star or obvious bell cow in the room, getting snaps and touches will be a competition throughout the season.

According to Noah Cain, 2022’s second-leading rusher among running backs at 409 yards, consistency is the way to win a spot in the rotation.

“I think it just comes down to consistency and I think it comes down to not letting your circumstances define you, not letting the heat get to you, not allowing outside things that you can’t control to get to you,” Cain explained at recent media availability. “I think it’s about just staying consistent in your approach, consistent in the work ethic.”

Cain continued, noting that bad days and obstacles are going to come everybody’s way, but it’s about responding after such adversity.

“Every day is not gonna be a perfect day and Coach (Brian) Kelly understands that. He understands that we’re all gonna make mistakes,” Cain said. “But I think if you’re making mistakes at a high level and if we’re able to learn from our mistakes, then everything else takes care of itself.”

The room will be competing like crazy with each other just to get on the field, but Noah Cain still believes they’ll have to get the job done by committee, with every member of the group getting their shot at some point.

“It’s going to take all of us to get through the season,” Cain continued. “You’ve seen, any given play, anybody can go down. But at the same time, though, that’s the next-man-up mentality, you know. Everybody in that room understands that you may be the guy one day, may not be the guy the next day.”

As a running back in the SEC, you’ve got to stay prepared, says Cain, so that you don’t miss your opportunity when it does finally come.

“But you got to be locked in, you got to just stay locked in on your journey and your path, and when your name is called, be prepared. Be prepared to be the guy, prepare like you’re the guy, prepare like you’re the starter day-in and day-out.

“Because if you don’t, then you’re gonna regret it. If you don’t prepare like you’re the starter, and when the coaches need you and you’re not ready, that’s on you. That’s nobody else. That’s on you.”