Why Rutgers football added a transfer RB to bolster depth

PISCATAWAY – Rutgers football already had one of the elite running backs in the Big Ten in Antwan Raymond and some talented backs behind him on the depth chart.

So why did the Scarlet Knights feel the need to bring in another option via the transfer portal?

“I never feel like you have enough running backs,” offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said.

So while it might not have been a necessity, Rutgers added Clay Thevenin from Louisiana Tech to bolster that depth and add insurance to the position.

The 5-foot-8, 195-pound Thevenin, a Fort Lauderdale native, had 634 rushing yards on 131 carries (4.8 yards per attempt) with eight touchdowns in 2025 at his previous school.

Rutgers football: Greg Schiano takeaways from spring practice opener

“I think we felt like we needed to add some depth at that position and competition,” Ciarrocca said. “I don’t think it was 100 percent certainty that we had to do that, but we thought Clay was the right fit from a skill standpoint and a work ethic standpoint. We’re excited to work with him.”

Given the physicality of that position – especially in the Big Ten – it made sense to add Thevenin.

His addition essentially filled the spot left by Sam Brown, who transferred to Temple after an injury-marred stint with the Scarlet Knights.

“Unfortunately I’ve had seasons where we’ve lost four guys and been down to the fifth guy,” Ciarrocca said. “Then had to move somebody from another position to be the backup. So you never feel great about that running back position. You’re always looking to add depth. We found a guy we thought was good.”

In addition to Raymond and Thevenin, Rutgers also has Ja’shon Benjamin, who rushed for 328 yards on 68 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) and consistently impresses with the opportunities he gets, and Edd Guerrier as the more experienced options on the roster.

The position has been a major strength for the Scarlet Knights in recent seasons, going from Isiah Pacheco to Kyle Monangai and now to Raymond.

Running backs coach Damiere Shaw, who is now also the associate offensive coordinator, has drawn high praise from Greg Schiano for the way he develops and leads the unit.

Thevenin now joins the group and will get a chance to compete for carries.

Rutgers was already in good shape after Raymond’s breakout season, but Thevenin bolstered the running back room.

“I love the way the kid’s been working so far,” Ciarrocca said.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers football bolstered depth with Clay Thevenin at running back