LSU running back Dilin Jones made a strong impression in his LSU debut. The Wisconsin transfer was quick to claim the RB1 job after arriving in the spring and didn't relinquish the position in fall camp.
Jones carried the ball 23 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns vs Clemson. He was the feature piece of LSU's rejuvenated rushing attack under Lane Kiffin. Jones' bruising, downhill style fit exactly what Kiffin and Co. wanted to do in Week 1.
"Dylan did a great job. But again, that's how he had performed in camp with us and really had performed really well. And again, that's just how we run the program," Kiffin said.
In January, many early depth chart projections listed Harlem Berry as LSU's top running back. After all, Berry was a five-star
recruit who elected to stay at LSU and turn down the transfer portal.
But Berry didn't enter the game until garbage time vs Clemson. Jones and UCF transfer Stacy Gage composed LSU's running back rotation for most of the night.
"And it's no offense to anybody. They know that in here from day one. Doesn't matter what your stats were before, how many stars, or what you make," Kiffin said.
Kiffin said Jones wasn't a big name when he got to Baton Rouge, but he's glad the fans have now seen what the LSU coaches have seen from Jones all offseason.
Perhaps the most impressive stat from Jones' night was the 4.30 yards per carry after contact. Jones forced 10 missed tackles, according to PFF. He was tough to bring down, and when the offensive line created a path, Jones took it.
Jones has a strong chance to be a 1,000-yard rusher in this scheme. And given the focus Kiffin puts on running the ball, All-SEC isn't off the table for the Wisconsin transfer.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Lane Kiffin praises transfer running back after LSU football debut
