Purdue Position in Review: Running backs
To reflect on Purdue’s 2023 season, we will take a position-by-position look at how the Boilermakers performed during the 4-8 campaign. Today, we look at the running back position.
CONTRIBUTORS
After rushing for 968 yards in a breakout 2022 campaign, Devin Mockobee came into 2023 with high expectations. While he did not match his rushing total from a season ago, he did turn in a solid season, minus a recurring fumbling issue that plagued him from the season opener. The redshirt sophomore from Boonville, Ind. totaled 807 yards to lead the team and finished second with six touchdown carries.
Tyrone Tracy moved from wide receiver to running back entering his sixth and final season, and the move looked genius from the get-go. Despite missing most of the Iowa game and all of the Ohio State game, Tracy ran for 716 yards and more than six yards per carry in 2023. He led the Boilermakers with eight rushing touchdowns, as well.
Dylan Downing saw limited action as the number three back, running 48 times for 211 yards and a touchdown. A former fullback, Downing provides a bit of a change of pace, but he never emerged as a reliable every-down option.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Purdue bids farewell to Tracy after he made the most of his final year of eligibility. Could he receive some NFL interest? Mockobee leads the crew of returnees and will look to make a push at 1,000 yards in 2024, something which hasn’t happened in West Lafayette since Kory Sheets did it in 2008.
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Downing finished his fourth year of eligibility, but he could use a COVID year should he choose to do so. His potential return would provide some needed depth and experience to a running back room that lacks it on paper.
True freshmen Christian Womack and Mondrell Dean redshirted in 2023. Womack, a very late addition to the 2023 recruiting class, will look to rise up the depth chart in spring ball. Meanwhile, Dean split time between running back and linebacker this fall. The 6-3, 240-pound athlete would be a big, bruising ball carrier if he sticks at tailback.
On3 three-star running back Jaheim Merriweather is committed to Purdue. While it’s never easy for true freshmen to crack the field, Walters and his staff say they’ll play the best option. Running back tends to be a position where youngsters can see the field early on if they’re capable.
PROJECTED 2024 PURDUE RUNNING BACKS
| Name | 2024 eligibility | 2023 stats |
| Devin Mockobee | RS Junior | 172 car., 807 yds., 6 TD |
| Dylan Downing | 5th-Year Senior | 48 car., 211 yds., TD |
| Christian Womack | RS Freshman | N/A |
| Mondrell Dean | RS Freshman | N/A |
| Jaheim Merriweather | True Freshman | N/A |
