Southern U's Richardson looks for running backs

Photo: #43 Darren Coates

Darren Coates was a bolt of lightning last season, becoming an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference second-teamer and the best pass-catching running back of the Pete Richardson era in his one season as Southern’s feature back. Now that Coates is gone, Southern is deep into the business of replacing him as spring practice continues. Brian Threat, who will be a sophomore, and Kendrick Smith, who will be a senior, are the veterans.

Behind them are two freshmen who redshirted last season — Micah Smith and Amonte Harper — and ex-Nicholls State player Joe Robbins, who has one season of eligibility remaining and is learning the entire playbook this season. SU, like at times last season, can employ tight end Evan Alexander in the backfield as well.

Southern also signed two prep players in February: Clinton High’s Byron Williams and Ville Platte High’s Jerry Joseph.

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