Caden Durham named to On3's True Freshman All-American Team
After a stellar freshman season in Baton Rouge, LSU running back Caden Durham was named to On3’s True Freshman All-American Team on Friday morning, a list that includes talented prospects like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, defensive end Dylan Stewart, among others who represent the future of college football as the 2024 season regular season concludes.
Durham was listed as an “All Purpose” player on the list, because of his ability to make plays as a receiver. The first-year player from Duncanville broke onto the scene a few weeks into the year against South Carolina and never looked back. Here’s what On3’s Charles Power wrote about Durham in the article about the Freshman All-American Team.
“Caden Durham looks to be the answer at running back for LSU. He was considered one of the most dynamic big-play running backs in the 2024 cycle and backed up that status with how he played as a true freshman, earning All-American honors. Durham led the Tigers with 693 rushing yards and six touchdowns and also made plays as a target in the passing game, with 257 receiving yards and two more scores.
In addition to his well-known long speed, Durham showed very impressive contact balance and tackle-breaking ability. He had a huge game on the road against South Carolina and several more big showings throughout the year. LSU had some struggles along the interior of their offensive line throughout the season, but Durham showed that he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with in his time in Baton Rouge.”
Durham shared snaps and carries with Josh Williams in 2024, learning the nuances of pass protection while rounding out his game. Still, the track speed that he showed in high school was evident every game as he provided the big-play ability with every touch.
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A foot injury also bothered him in the second half of the year, but Durham battled on, trying to help his team get some key wins in SEC play
“A lot of guys would not be in the game,” Brian Kelly said of Durham in late October. “He’s playing at about 80-85%, but he’s got great vision, he’s got toughness (and he) keeps his legs moving. Injuries are hard to deal with at any position, but when you’re a running back and you’ve got an injury and you’re still fighting through it, I think it says a lot about the young man and I’m really proud of him.”
He’s set to be the premier back in 2025, even with the additions of the No. 1 and No. 12 running backs in the 2025 recruiting class — Harlem Berry and J.T. Lindsey. We’ll see what the situations with Kaleb Jackson and Trey Holly are moving forward, but regardless, the Tigers have successfully reloaded at running back and promise to have one of the best rooms in the SEC in the coming years.
A significant emphasis for the Tigers offense will be finding balance on offense and generating a consistent rushing attack, which falls on everybody, but LSU won’t be short on running back talent heading into the new season.
