Running back edition season review Jaivian Thomas

Jaivian Thomas was a sneaky transfer addition for Deshaun Foster‘s transfer class. One that included quite a few running backs and an above average class. In 2023 in 2024 he spent his college career with California. 2024 he broke onto the scene and had 100 carries for 626 yards and seven touchdowns. While also adding 11 catches for 91 yards. He was expected to come in and help rejuvenate the UCLA backfield. A backfield that ended up having four running backs factor into carries.

Iamaleava led the team in rushing with 505 yards. But Anthony Frias II had 187, Jalen Berger had 364, Anthony Woods had 294, along with Thomas at the same number. So, there was musical chairs that was being played in the backfield. Not giving one person the opportunity to maintain consistency in carries each week. There was never that number one back that you could expect to go out each week and dominate the carries. Therefore, finding a running back that was going to have a big week was hard to come by if they didn't start the game off well.

Thomas displays good speed and acceleration, that if he is able to get to the second level, he can take it the distance. In 2024 while at California, he led the ACC in yards per carry at 6.2. Showing that he can be an effective running back at the Division I level. He is a shorter running back at 5’11 but the burst he has makes up for it, that few can replicate. Speed can't be taught and he possesses that and much more.

Thomas would be an intriguing player under Bob Chesney. He has yet to indicate any future plans, but it is possible that more UCLA players will hit the transfer portal. Thomas was a junior this past season. He has shown in the right system with an offensive line in front of him that he can be effective. With the resources that UCLA is talking about. It is quite possible that reinforcements could be on the way to recharge the run game.