Louisville Running Back Room Led by Depth and Versatility
September 03, 2025 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A big factor in the success of week one for the University of Louisville football team was the production from the running back position – not only on the ground, but in the passing attack and return game.
The depth and versatility of the running back room is something the Cardinals' offense will look to lean on ahead of their week two matchup against James Madison University, as well as the rest of the season.
Louisville Running Backs Coach Chris Barclay had high praise for his stable of tailbacks when speaking to the media on Monday following the team's 51-17 victory over Eastern Kentucky.
"I think when you combine those three kids (Isaac Brown, Duke Watson and Keyjuan Brown) together, you got a three-headed monster."
Isaac Brown picked up right where he left off last season putting up an impressive 126 rushing yards on only six carries. The sophomore had two highlight-reel rushing touchdowns, the first of the day going for 31 yards and the second being a 68-yard dash.
Watson would make his presence felt in the receiving game when in the second quarter he hauled in a 30-yard touchdown catch.
"Isaac and Duke are special in their own right", Barclay would say this about the tandem. "I mean, they're just fireworks. Thunder Over Louisville, so to speak."
Keyjuan Brown, dubbed "Mr. Versatility" by Barclay, impacted the game in multiple phases.
He tallied 25 yards and a touchdown on the ground, while tacking on 12 receiving yards and capped off his day with a 65-yard kickoff return.
"He has excellent vision, he can catch the football, he can pass protect and he's a well-rounded kid, Barclay commented. We're just fortunate to have him, to be able to blend with those other kids."
The trio of Brown, Watson and Brown will be relied upon to be difference makers for the Cards on offense this year.
"It's going to be my intention to get all three of those guys involved every week", Barclay added.
The Cards will take on JMU, Friday at 7 p.m. ET inside L&N Stadium.
