Competition, diversity makes ASU’s running back room dangerous

Chip Trayanum, Rachaad White and Daniyel Ngata were responsible for 54% of Arizona State’s offensive yards in 2020.

Averaging 204.5 rushing yards per game, the trio would have ranked 28th in the entire country.

Trayanum, White and Ngata imposed their will on opponents. The triad combined for 818 rushing yards and 11 of ASU’s 21 touchdowns in four games.

Their success has instilled running backs coach Shaun Aguano with confidence in their ability to carry the workload of a full season.

“It’s my job to make sure they’re not complacent and getting better and better every day,” Aguano said on a Zoom call Wednesday. “Knowing that you have three guys that are more than adequate to handle that load is comforting … I expect big things from all three of them.”

While ASU only played in four games last season, Aguano believes that the skills that each one of his running backs brings to the game have prepared them to shoulder the load and stay healthy for a full season.

“We have three very good backs that can handle the full load of 12, 13 games now,” Aguano said. “I would have been concerned from an injury standpoint if we only had one or two but I’m confident in all three of them. They all bring three different kinds of dynamics to the offense, but they’re getting better and better and they’re getting an understanding of coach (Zak) Hill’s offense. I’m excited for all three of them.”

While all three got playing time in 2020, Trayanum got the most work. Trayanum’s collegiate career had an emphatic start as he bulldozed the USC Trojans, scoring two touchdowns and gaining 84 yards on the ground. Trayanum led the trio with 49 carries last season and was second in yards per carry with 5.9. While Trayanum made an impact in his first game, he’s felt more comfortable since settling in against the Trojans.

“I feel like ever since the first game at USC it’s slowed down a lot,” Trayanum said. “Coming into college last year with spring ball under my belt was really good because I needed to get the feel of how fast the game was in college. Getting that first game under my belt and getting that game speed and adjusting to it was really helpful.”

Trayanum and White both had 100-yard rushing games and Ngata found the end zone in the Territorial Cup after missing the first two games. White was the only one who made an impact in the passing game. Aguano stated that the trio has worked on their pass-catching ability and believes that they will get involved in the passing game.

“I’m very confident in all of their hands. So depending on if we’re going to go long with it, Rachaad and Daniyel do a good job, but Chip has great hands out of the backfield,” Aguano said. “I feel confident in all three of them getting involved in the passing game. I think Chip does a great job in pass protection as well. I don’t substitute them based on plays, I substitute them with production in the game and how well they’re rolling.”

White didn’t just lead ASU’s running back room in receiving, he led the entire team with 151 yards. White averaged 18.9 yards per catch, showing a glimpse of what he could do with the ball in his hands. While White was ASU’s most explosive offensive weapon in 2020, leading the team in rushing and touchdowns on top of being the best receiver, he believes he along with the rest of the running backs can be better in 2021.

“It’s a longer season, so it’s more we can showcase as a group,” White said. “In reality, we’re grateful and blessed to touch the ball as much as the game plan is for us. We’re just trying to take full advantage of it. We feel like this year is going to be special as a group and we just want to stay focused as a group and get better.”