HAMMOND, La. – A veteran in is his fourth year with the program, a transfer looking to close out his collegiate journey on a high note, a dynamic playmaker back for his second tour with the team and a talented true freshman comprise the top contributors for the 2025 Southeastern Louisiana University running back corps.
 
The Lion running back who has logged the most time in the green and gold heading into the season is Rodeo Graham Jr. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native has played in 34 games at SLU, rushing for seven scores.
 
Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo believes Graham Jr. has made necessary adjustments to be a big contributor this fall.
 
"Rodeo has spent a lot more time in his preparation and we think that's going to pay dividends on the field," Scelfo said. "He's much more sound in protection and he's doing the things we need him to do.
 
"He's always been good with the ball in his hands," Scelfo added. "But now he's coming in early and staying late, watching a lot of film and asking a lot of questions. His focus on the mental part of the game is where the progress is going to come with him."
 
One of the new faces expected to bolster the running game is Jaedon Henry. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native started his collegiate career, where he was a key contributor in the run and pass game, as well as a kickoff returner for the Raiders.
 
"Jaedon has been what we expected when we brought him in," Scelfo commented. "He's got good balance, speed and vision. Jaedon's a strong guy that runs with power."
 
Deantre Jackson is back in Hammond for his second stint with the Lions. He was a key contributor as a true freshman for SLU in 2023 before spending the 2024 campaign at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
 
"Deantre's our home run guy," Scelfo said. "We can build some things around his explosiveness with the ball in his hands."
 
The young gun in the Lion running back arsenal is true freshman Calvin Smith Jr. The Hahnville High School product comes to Hammond after rushing for 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior.
 
"Calvin really had a good camp for us," Scelfo said. "He's done some things that just made us say, 'wow', which is especially impressive for a guy right out of high school. Calvin could be a three-down back for us before his career is out."
 
Graham Jr. believes the Southeastern running backs have an opportunity to compliment each other well this fall.
 
"We all have to just stay ready," Graham Jr. said of the group's mentality. "We feel like each of us can do everything asked of us. We all can run, block and catch the ball out of the backfield. We just have to all be prepared for when we're put out there to help the offense."
 
SLU opens the 2025 campaign next Saturday with a 6:30 p.m. contest at Louisiana Tech. The Lions open their five-game home schedule Sept. 13, hosting Mississippi Valley State at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
 
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. 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.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow lionupfootball on Instagram.
 
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 observes a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.