2021 SLU Football Preseason Position Report No. 10: Running Backs
 
Position: Running Backs
Position Coaches: Albert Poree (Second season at SLU)
Returners: Taron Jones (5-10, 205, Jr.), Jahmon McClendon (6-1, 240, Fr.), Christian Westcott (6-0, 195, Fr.)
Newcomers: Jessie Britt (5-10, 205, Jr.), Jordan Griffin (5-10, 195, So.), Joseph Wilson (5-10, 180, Fr.)
 
HAMMOND, La. –  One of the primary goals set forth for the Southeastern Louisiana University football team's high-powered offense by Lion head coach Frank Scelfo was to run the ball more effectively.
 
The Lion running backs will play a big part in reaching that objective. Taron Jones is the most experienced player in the room, while Jahmon McClendon also returns. Christian Westcott has made the switch to running back, while newcomers Jessie Britt, Jordan Griffin and Joseph Wilson provide further options in the ground game for SLU.
 
"Taron has had a fantastic camp," Scelfo commented. "We're looking to see who is going to provide that depth behind him. We have some talented options, but Taron has established himself as our bell cow heading into the season."
 
Running backs coach Albert Poree has also been impressed with Jones throughout the fall.
 
"Taron is our most experienced running back and he can sense the opportunity he has after being in such a crowded running back room since he's been here," Poree commented. "He's the leader of our room and his high level of play has set the tone for the rest of the guys."
 
The talent behind Jones is also ready to contribute.
 
"Jessie has been a big addition for us and we've been pleased with Christian since he made the switch over to running back," Poree commented. "Jahmon has steadily progressed and we're really excited about Joseph Wilson's potential as he continues to get more comfortable within our scheme."
 
Britt comes to Southeastern after being a slot receiver to start his collegiate career at UMass. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is an example of the varied way the Lions can attack opponents with their running backs.
 
"When we were recruiting Jessie, we knew he'd be an asset with his pass-catching ability," Poree said. "What was the eye-opener for us was his ability in pass protection. With Taron, Jessie and Jahmon we have three guys we can roll in and out of the game who can help us in different aspects of our offense."
 
The No. 15/17 Lions open the 2021 season at home, hosting North Alabama at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium next Saturday.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2021-22 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
 
INSIDE SOUTHEASTERN FOOTBALL WITH FRANK SCELFO
Inside Southeastern Football With Frank Scelfo, presented by Louisiana's First Choice Auto Auction, debuts Tuesday, Sept. 7 and will air every subsequent Monday through the end of the season at 7 p.m. inside Pour House Pizza and Beer Garden (505 West Thomas Street) in downtown Hammond. Hosted by Scelfo and Allen Waddell, the hour-long show will air on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network (KSLU-FM (90.9), Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM and The Boss 103.7 FM/1400 AM WFPR). Fans can also listen live at www.LionSports.net/listenlive and via the Lions Game Day and TuneIn Radio apps.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events, effective with the start of the 2018 football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.