Lane Kiffin Makes His Philosophy On LSU's Running Back Rotation Very Clear

When Lane Kiffin took over as LSU's head coach, one of his staff's top priorities was keeping running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, the team's most productive backs last season.

Kiffin's staff also added four running backs through the transfer portal, including Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones.

While many expected Durham and Berry to play significant roles this season, Jones has emerged as LSU's top running back, receiving the majority of the carries.

Last season, Durham rushed for 505 yards and three touchdowns on 111 carries, while Berry added 491 yards and two touchdowns on 104 carries.

This season, Durham has 12 carries for 36 yards, while Berry has 32 carries for 202 yards and one touchdown.

Meanwhile, Jones leads LSU with 657 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 149 carries. His 657 rushing yards rank fourth in the SEC.

During his Sunday Zoom call, Kiffin was asked about the running back rotation and how Durham and Berry have handled their reduced roles.

Kiffin made it clear that he doesn't believe in rotating players simply to give everyone playing time.

"We talked a lot when we got here about competition, and we don't just rotate just to rotate," Kiffin said.

"I call them participation awards, because you're the second, third guy; you just go in just to go in? I just don't believe in that. I know other people do. What was done here for a while, and I'm not criticizing. I just don't believe in that."

Kiffin compared his philosophy to basketball, where teams keep feeding the ball to a player on a hot streak.

"When you have a player shooting really well and hot, do you just pass it to everybody equally? No, you keep giving them the ball."

Despite their reduced playing time, Kiffin praised Durham and Berry for their attitudes and willingness to compete.

"The guys' attitude has been great," Kiffin said. "I really enjoy how much they've competed and how hard they've tried when they've gone in there."