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UCF’s reloaded running backs room features plenty of talent, speed
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- UCF’s reloaded running backs room features plenty of talent, speed
(Matt Murschel/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
UCF possibly has one of the more talented running back units in the Big 12 .
It's a bold statement, but one that isn't too far from the truth, at least according to coach Scott Frost .
"The running back room is probably one of our strongest and deepest on the team," Frost said back in May at the conclusion of spring camp. "That's a room I feel really good about."
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Newcomers Duke Watson and Landen Chambers joined the team through the transfer portal in the offseason, teaming up with returning players Taevion Swint, Agyeman Addae and Chance Nixon, along with incoming freshmen Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV.
UCF finished in the bottom half of the Big 12 in rushing offense last season, with the Knights averaging 158 yards per game.
Seniors Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon did yeoman's work, accounting for 66% of the team's rushing yards (1,259) and 55% of the team's carries (214). Both left in the offseason to pursue NFL careers.
"It's always a new journey every year," said running backs coach Jimmy Beal . "They're hungry to learn and excited to be out there."
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"Last year, we were just trying to figure out who we were. Now we kind of have more of an identity and are trying to figure out little wrinkles that we can fix with that."
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Watson spent two seasons at Louisville, including a breakout freshman campaign in which he led the country with 8.9 yards per carry. An injury limited the Georgia native last season, but now he's back and healthy.
"Duke Watson's a slasher. He's so explosive and dynamic with the ball in his hands," said Beal.
"Fast, physical, and downhill, really more of a team player," Watson said of his game. "I'm an all-around player."
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Chambers (5-11, 215) brings a bruising style of running that helped him rush for 1,273 yards and 10 touchdowns on 242 carries last season for Central Arkansas. He set the school record with eight straight games with 100-plus yards rushing, while being named first team All-United Athletic Conference.
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"He's probably gonna be one of the biggest backs in our room," said Beal. "His ability to get those hard yards when we need it, like at the end of the game and make sure we still have a physical group. Also, he's got great hands."
Added Chambers: "Fans are going to see a lot of power, a lot of bursts and a lot of fight. If you need one (yard), I'm gonna get five."
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Swint, Addae and Nixon are back following freshman campaigns last season.
Swint (5-10, 185), a former four-star recruit from Osceola High School, is back after missing all of last season after tearing his meniscus during fall camp. Before the injury, he was expected to play a significant role backing up Montgomery and Nixon while also working out in the return game on special teams.
"He's shown why he's supposed to be here," said Beal. "He's got a hunger for the game; a love and a passion. He's just having so much fun out there playing. Getting an injury, that's one thing that humbles you. His ability to try to see it now and be thankful for every day he's out there at practice right now."
Addae (5-9, 190) went from being a walk-on to seeing significant snaps over the final few games thanks to injuries among the unit. The Miami native finished with just 50 yards on 13 carries, but it was his versatility, including throwing a touchdown pass on a trick play, that left coaches impressed.
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"I can't say enough things about him," said Beal. "He's a special kid as far as his ability to understand the game and then play multiple positions and now he takes over the role as a leader."
Newcomers Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV showed flashes of potential during spring camp.
"Kaj, he's probably one of the fastest guys in the room," said Beal. "I don't want to start a battle, but he's super fast and elusive, and he's showing a lot of explosive runs when we get him the ball in space.
"Arthur … he's just so tough and he's strong. Even as a freshman, he's almost at the top of the strength-training rankings on the team."
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Perhaps the most significant question facing this group is how the Knights plan to share the carries in 2026.
"Get more footballs?" Beal said with a laugh. "That's the cool thing about Coach (Scott) Frost. He's done it before. He's shown how he can get different backs, multiple backs to handle the ball in situations and make sure they all know their role and then be able to have them have success doing that.
"They're all different in their way and they're able to bring something different to the team."
Frost is no stranger to using the versatility in his running backs unit.
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In UCF's undefeated season in 2017, the Knights used a stable of tailbacks with Adrian Killins , Otis Anderson , Taj McGowan , Cordarrian Richardson and Greg McCrae. Each showcasing their own unique sets of talents.
"This is probably one of the best running back groups I've been around," said Chambers. "Everybody is so focused and we all bring our own style to the table."
"Everybody adds something different to the running game," said Watson.
Added Addae: "Man, is there even a weakness?" said Addae. "We all can do everything and that's what makes our running back group so special."
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Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com . Sign up for the Sentinel's Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
