BYU Running Back Miles Davis Has Become More than a Role Player

In his fifth year in the program, running back Miles Davis has become a "plug and play" option for BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.

"Miles Davis is doing a good job," Roderick said when asked about BYU's top running backs behind LJ Martin. "He's reached the point now where he can run the whole offense, he's not a role player any more. He's had his moments in his career where he's done good things for us in a limited role. Now he knows how to do everything, he can just go into the game and play. It's good to see him at that stage."

Credit: BYU Photo

When Davis came to BYU, he had never played running back. He was recruited as a wide receiver and a defensive back. He made the move to running back as a freshman and he had to learn the position from scratch. He also had to change his body. As a recruit, he was listed at 185 pounds. Today, he's up 25 pounds to 210 pounds.

He's had moments where he's flashed his potential, most notably in 2022 where Davis emerged as BYU's top option at running back before suffering an injury. In his last full game before an injury, Davis ran for a career high 131 yards against Wyoming. 

By his own admission, it took him some time to get acclimated to the position. Now, he's ready to take on whichever role Roderick has in store for him. 

BYU will need Davis this season. Sophomore LJ Martin is expected to be the lead back. After him, the Cougars are thin at running back. If Davis can provide depth in any situation, it would go a long ways in helping BYU survive a physical season. Injuries happen at running back - it's just the nature of the position.

Outside of LJ Martin and Miles Davis, Roderick also mentioned running backs Hinckley Ropati and true freshman Pokaia Haunga. Haunga has been "getting a lot of reps" according to Roderick. Haunga has been mentioned as a standout since he joined the program in January. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake even compared him to former BYU great Reno Mahe.

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