The Running Back room in St. Louis has gone through a bit of change since end of the season in 2023. From Max Borghi “retiring”, the team releasing Kareem Walker in June of 2023, and St. Louis local Brian Hill not signing with the UFL after his stint with the 49ers. In 2024, the Battlehawks return One returning player Mataeo Durant, and host a new room full of talent.
Returning Players: Mataeo Durant 2023 Stats: 39 Rushing Attempts 117 Rushing Yards 0 TDs
Durant was a reserve Running Back for St. Louis essentially being utilized as a 2A 2B option with Kareem Walker in 2023. With the Battlehawks only having one returning Running Back look for Durant to have all the opportunities to solidify himself as the RB1 in his second season within the system.
New Players: Wayne Gallman 2023 Stats: None
Gallman could be penciled in as the starter of this group, however after spending all of 2023 out of football, the job certainly will not be given to him. Gallman does have an impressive resume dating all the way back to his time at University of Clemson, and the NFL, but we have seen plenty of “veterans” not live up to the hype when it comes to spring football.
Kevon Latulas: 2023 Stats: None
Latulas finished his career with the Missouri State Bears having carried the ball 144 times for 1,029 yards and six touchdowns. Latulas also caught 39 passes for 458 yards and four touchdowns and was on the All-MVFC Honor Roll. He also participated in the Podyum All-Star Bowl in Miami this past January. A rookie to Pro Football in general, Latulas may have to relay on his versatility to find himself a roster spot due to his skill in the passing game. Latulas is also embed with the community of football training younger players at Elite Football Academy based out of Chesterfield Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.
Jacob Saylors 2023 Stats: None
Since the release of Max Borghi St. Louis has not only added Wayne Gallman, but now Jacob Saylors from East Tennessee State. Saylors was a UDFA in 2023 spending time on the practice squad of the Bengals and Falcons. Saylors rushed for over 3,800 yards in college, while also adding almost 2,300 yards between Kick Returns and as a receiving option. The versatile Saylors could provide Bruce Gradkowski a Borghi-Lite option in the Battlehawks offense.
Closing Thoughts:
The Running Back room in St. Louis could be anyones guess as training camp begins in the first week. With the diversity of the room and varying levels of experience, the Battlehawks may lean on a “committee” mentality to supplement their running back room. Last season the Battlehawks leading rusher was Brian Hill, who rushed for 416 yards with Running Backs accounting for 634 out of the teams 835 rushing yards. With a loaded Receiving Corps led by A.J. McCarron at Quarterback, the Battlehawks may require a more versatile running back rather than a “bell cow” for the upcoming 2024 season.
