CEDAR CITY, Utah – As the Southern Utah Thunderbirds gear up for the 2024 season, we turn our attention to the backfield. Loaded with seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the running backs are poised to play a crucial role in the team's offensive success. This group is ready to set the tone for a powerful ground game that could be a difference-maker this year.

Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"Our running backs are strong, fast, and talented running the football and catching it out of the backfield. We believe our running backs are underrated and have been overlooked going into this fall. I fully expect the running back position to be motivated and to have a breakout season this fall."

Braedon Wissler

Wissler, the redshirt junior from South Jordan, Utah, is coming off a stellar 2023 campaign that solidified his reputation as one of the premier running backs in the conference. Wissler appeared in all 11 games for the Thunderbirds last season, where he was a consistent force in both the rushing and receiving games. He racked up 686 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground while also contributing 186 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. His ability to perform in clutch moments was on full display with three 100-yard rushing games, including a standout 130-yard performance against Utah Tech. Wissler's efforts earned him a spot on the Phil Steele All-UAC Fourth Team, and he enters this season with even higher expectations, having been named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC Second Team. As he steps into his redshirt junior year, Wissler will be a leader in this talented backfield, and his experience and playmaking ability make him a player to watch.

Targhee Lambson

Lambson, a senior from Spanish Fork, Utah, provides the Thunderbirds with another proven playmaker in the backfield. Lambson also appeared in all 11 games last season. He rushed for 483 yards and six touchdowns, adding 95 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches. Lambson's versatility was on display in a three-score game against Abilene Christian, where he found the end zone twice on the ground and once through the air. His performance at Utah Tech, where he rushed for a season-high 138 yards, highlighted his ability to take over games. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Lambson was a standout at Snow College, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and earned JUCO All-American honors. Now in his senior year, Lambson's experience and dual-threat capability will be invaluable as Southern Utah aims to make a deep run in the conference.

Jordan Jefferson

Jefferson, a redshirt junior from Moreno Valley, California, adds another layer of depth and explosiveness to the Thunderbirds' running back corps. Jefferson made the most of his opportunities in 2023, appearing in 10 games. Though his role was limited, Jefferson made an impact whenever he touched the ball, rushing for 134 yards. His journey at Southern Utah has been one of perseverance, with brief appearances in previous seasons, including his first career touchdown against Sac State in 2021. As he enters his redshirt junior year, Jefferson is primed to take on a bigger role, and his ability to break off big runs makes him a dangerous weapon in the Thunderbirds' offensive arsenal.

Niko Alailefaleula and Cade Bowring

Alailefaleula, a redshirt freshman from Anchorage, Alaska, did not see action last year but enters this season with high expectations, given his high school accolades as an all-state running back and offensive player of the year. After a year of development, he is eager to showcase his skills and compete for playing time. Bowring, a sophomore from Nephi, Utah, is the quintessential team player, having stepped up on special teams last season while contributing to the running game. Bowring appeared in all 11 games in 2023, gaining 36 yards on six carries and scoring his first collegiate touchdown against Stephen F. Austin. His willingness to do whatever is asked of him, combined with his physical style of play, makes Bowring a valuable contributor in multiple phases of the game. As a sophomore, he'll look to build on his experience and continue to be an option for the Thunderbirds.

Back and Looking to Make an Impact

Among the returning players vying for carries this season are Jaxson Percoats and Talmage Brown. Brown, a redshirt junior from Bluffdale, Utah, has shown flashes of potential despite limited action in his college career. At Summit Academy High School, Brown was a dual threat, rushing for 1,217 yards and 18 touchdowns while showcasing his defensive skills with five sacks in his senior year. Meanwhile, Percoats, a redshirt freshman from Atwater, California, returns with a stellar high school pedigree. As the all-time leading rusher at Buhach Colony, Percoats set records with six touchdowns in a single game and earned four consecutive 1st Team All-League honors. Brown and Percoats are pushing hard in practice, determined to earn their spot in the backfield rotation.

New Face

Freshman Khameron Athy from Phoenix, Arizona, brings a fresh face to Southern Utah's backfield. Athy enters the program with an impressive high school resume, having set a Central High School record with 30 touchdowns and 1,866 all-purpose yards in his senior year. Named 1st Team 5A All-State RB, Athy's explosiveness and vision make him a promising addition to the Thunderbirds. If he can adjust to the college game, Athy could quickly become a fan favorite who will be watched closely for his development during fall camp.

With a deep and talented group of running backs, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds are set to make their mark in the 2024 season. Led by the experienced Braedon Wissler and Targhee Lambson, this backfield has the potential to be one of the most productive in the conference. As the season unfolds, look for these backs to play a pivotal role in the Thunderbirds' quest for success.

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