Who Will Be Utah's Lead Back in 2024?

It's that time of year when spring previews are released for programs nationwide as spring practices draw near, and with the announcement of the new EA College Football game, the anticipation for the 2024 season is at an all-time high.

However, with the release of spring previews come questions and the Utes have a glaring decision to make in the backfield with two returning backs and one experienced newcomer all competing for the lead back role.

With last year's starting back, Ja'Quinden Jackson transferring to Arkansas after a lackluster 2023 season, and Sione Vaki entering the draft, the feature back spot is wide open, and it'll be a three-man race to the finish line.

Micah Bernard - Senior

The 6'0" 201-pound senior out of Long Beach, California was touted to be a serious contender for the starting job heading into the 2023 season after back-to-back 500-plus yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. However, Bernard suffered a season-ending injury before the Baylor bout, leaving him with only 16 carries on the year for 76 yards and a touchdown. Most fans didn't expect Bernard to return after entering the transfer portal, but he rescinded his name and announced his intent to return to the U for the 2024 season, and while the job won't be handed to him, if he is fully healthy, he could easily be the face of the backfield.

Jaylon Glover - Junior

The 5'8" 205-pound junior out of Lakeland, Florida surpassed the 500-yard mark in 2023 on 137 carries for 2 touchdowns after accumulating 360 yards on 78 carries and 4 touchdowns his freshman year. Despite Vaki and Jackson running the backfield, Glover made the most of his opportunities and set himself up to continue his trend of play into the 2024 season. When Bernard entered the portal, many thought that Glover would be the clear lead back, however, with the return of Bernard and the acquisition of Anthony Woods, Glover will face more competition than anticipated, but with system experience under his belt, he should have a leg up in that regard.

Anthony Woods - Junior

The former Idaho Vandal spent two years with the program before transferring to Utah this offseason. Standing at 5'10", 175 pounds from Palmdale, California, the junior running back had a stellar 2023 season, rushing for 1,131 yards for 16 touchdowns on 207 carries with a long of 93 yards, while also racking up 15 receptions for 92 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2022, he ran for 872 yards on 154 carries and 3 touchdowns. Woods has proven himself to be a workhorse back capable of igniting an offense through the ground and air, and despite his lack of experience in the Utah system as opposed to Bernard and Glover, he seems to be the best fit for the offense moving forward.