CEDAR CITY, Utah – After watching Targhee Lambson lead all of FCS with nearly 2,000 rushing yards last fall, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds enter the 2025 season with the task of replacing one of the most productive backs in program history. While no single player may duplicate Lambson's staggering output, SUU has built a versatile and deep running back room capable of carrying the load by committee.
Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"We have a group of backs that each bring something different to the table. Wissler's steady and dependable, Niko runs with power, and we've added a couple of new guys that can flat-out play. We feel confident that, as a unit, this room can keep our run game dangerous and productive in 2025."
The Veterans
At the front of the group is Braedon Wissler, a redshirt senior who brings both experience and explosiveness. Named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC Second Team, Wissler has been a steady contributor for the Thunderbirds the past three seasons, tallying over 1,300 career rushing yards while proving just as dangerous as a pass catcher and return man. His 2023 season featured three 100-yard rushing games, and his ability to create mismatches in space makes him the most proven weapon in SUU's backfield.
Joining Wissler is Jaxson Percoats, who has been biding his time learning behind the starters the last two years and preparing himself to earn reps through special teams work. Senior Talmage Brown has also worked his way into the playing time conversation. Despite being sidelined with injuries in the past, Brown looks poised to earn some carries this season.
Another returner with intriguing upside is Niko Alailefaleula. The bruising 225-pound back from Alaska averaged an eye-popping 16.7 yards per carry on limited attempts last season, highlighted by a 36-yard burst. He also contributed on special teams, showing his toughness and versatility.
The Newcomers
The Thunderbirds also welcome an influx of fresh talent. Joshua Dye, a transfer from UTEP, brings FBS experience and a proven track record from a decorated high school career where he surpassed 1,400 rushing yards. AJ Tillman, out of Snow College, adds a physical presence after rushing for 635 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Badgers last season. His nose for the end zone could make him an immediate factor in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Southern Utah local product Ran Sawyer out of Dixie High gives the T-Birds a true all-purpose threat. The freshman piled up over 3,400 career all-purpose yards in high school, showcasing speed, vision, and versatility as both a runner and receiver. His playmaking ability could help him carve out a role early in his college career.
True Freshman Hubert Thomas has had a good fall camp as well. The Nederland, Texas native comes to Cedar City having wrapped up an impressive high school career, racking up nearly 1300 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns.
The Outlook
Replacing Lambson's record-setting season will take more than one back, but the Thunderbirds have built a room with complementary skill sets, Wissler's experience and balance, Dye's versatility, Alailefaleula's power, Tillman's nose for the end zone, and Sawyer's raw playmaking ability. Together, this group gives SUU options and depth as they look to keep their rushing attack a strength in 2025.
Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald will have the luxury of mixing and matching depending on the situation, with a stable of backs ready to make their mark.
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