Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics
Keyjuan Brown Answering Bell with Added Opportunities
November 12, 2025 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Injuries have slowed the running back room at the University of Louisville this season.
With top running back Isaac Brown out for the last two games and Duke Watson also slowed by an injury, redshirt sophomore Keyjuan Brown has quietly waited for his opportunity.
For Keyjuan Brown, the opportunity is now.
"He's [Keyjuan] just one of those guys that needed an opportunity. He was behind two shooting stars in Duke and Isaac, so I told him he's kind of just been stuck in the back seat for a couple years," running back coach Chris Barclay said. "For one reason or another, he's had a chance to get his opportunity, and I think he's taking full advantage of it."
The depth of the UofL running back core has been put to the test throughout the season as Isaac Brown has missed two games and Watson was out of the lineup for four contests.
With those slowed, Keyjuan Brown took advantage of his increased role. Keyjuan Brown is averaging 108.3 rushing yards over the last three games, including his career-high 136-yard performance last week against Cal. The explosive showing marked his third-straight 90-plus yard game, proving he was made for this moment.
Going under the radar is nothing new to Keyjuan Brown, as San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo and Jawhar Jordan led the Cardinal backfield in his first year in 2023. He played in one game that season, recording his first collegiate touchdown against Murray State.
"I've been real patient, and I put in the work. It definitely feels good to come out here and be able to show it," Keyjuan Brown stated. "Isaac (Guerendo) and Jawhar were just older, and they had more knowledge of the game. They taught me that I have to be patient. When Duke and Isaac (Brown) came in, both of them were special, so I knew I had to step up my game and work harder. I couldn't be mad; I just had to wait my turn."
Clemson's defense will prove to be a challenge for the UofL running game, with defensive end Will Heldt ranking fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles for loss with 10.5 on the season.
"They [Clemson's defense] have tremendous talent. Like every year, Dabo and that staff have done a great job recruiting and acquiring talent," Barclay added. "Their front is very challenging, and they've got two of the better defensive linemen, I think, in the country. As a unit, they're long, athletic, and they create disruption in the backfield. We've got to be prepared for that."
Keyjuan Brown and the rest of the Cardinals offense will square off against the Tiger defense on Friday night at L&N Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
With top running back Isaac Brown out for the last two games and Duke Watson also slowed by an injury, redshirt sophomore Keyjuan Brown has quietly waited for his opportunity.
For Keyjuan Brown, the opportunity is now.
"He's [Keyjuan] just one of those guys that needed an opportunity. He was behind two shooting stars in Duke and Isaac, so I told him he's kind of just been stuck in the back seat for a couple years," running back coach Chris Barclay said. "For one reason or another, he's had a chance to get his opportunity, and I think he's taking full advantage of it."
The depth of the UofL running back core has been put to the test throughout the season as Isaac Brown has missed two games and Watson was out of the lineup for four contests.
With those slowed, Keyjuan Brown took advantage of his increased role. Keyjuan Brown is averaging 108.3 rushing yards over the last three games, including his career-high 136-yard performance last week against Cal. The explosive showing marked his third-straight 90-plus yard game, proving he was made for this moment.
Going under the radar is nothing new to Keyjuan Brown, as San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo and Jawhar Jordan led the Cardinal backfield in his first year in 2023. He played in one game that season, recording his first collegiate touchdown against Murray State.
"I've been real patient, and I put in the work. It definitely feels good to come out here and be able to show it," Keyjuan Brown stated. "Isaac (Guerendo) and Jawhar were just older, and they had more knowledge of the game. They taught me that I have to be patient. When Duke and Isaac (Brown) came in, both of them were special, so I knew I had to step up my game and work harder. I couldn't be mad; I just had to wait my turn."
Clemson's defense will prove to be a challenge for the UofL running game, with defensive end Will Heldt ranking fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles for loss with 10.5 on the season.
"They [Clemson's defense] have tremendous talent. Like every year, Dabo and that staff have done a great job recruiting and acquiring talent," Barclay added. "Their front is very challenging, and they've got two of the better defensive linemen, I think, in the country. As a unit, they're long, athletic, and they create disruption in the backfield. We've got to be prepared for that."
Keyjuan Brown and the rest of the Cardinals offense will square off against the Tiger defense on Friday night at L&N Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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