WASHINGTON – With less than two weeks until the 2023 season kicks off at home against Marist on September 2, GUHoyas.com will take an in-depth look at each position with this edition featuring the team's running backs. 

"We've got an excellent group of guys that are hungry for opportunity," said Assistant Coach Kenneth Tinsley. " They understand their responsibilities and use that to exceed the expectations we set. When they get opportunities we want them to contribute not only offensively but also on special teams so we can be a complete group."

The Hoyas gained valuable veteran leadership with the return of graduate student Joshua Stakely along with senior Shane Stewart and junior Naieem Kearney.

During the 2022 campaign, Stakely led the Blue & Gray with 482 rushing yards and led all returning Hoyas with 566 all purpose yards and five touchdowns. The Tennessee native also posted a season high of 123 rushing yards against Marist and 28 reception yards against Saint Francis.  

"Stakely has been around the block quite a few times and knows what I expect from him. It's valuable to have someone who is older and has starting experience so guys can watch how he operates. I have high expectations for him to make big plays when we need them as well as contribute to the passing game."

Stewart saw action in four games last season and recorded three receptions for 18 yards along with 14 carries for 47 yards. 

"Stewart provides a lot of depth. When he is in there I trust that he will make really good plays. He can provide that spark plug when we need it as someone who has transitioned from being a defensive player on the offensive side. Stewart and Stakely will be important to the special teams unit because you have two big strong bodies who are athletic that can accomplish a lot for us."

After not seeing any game action in 2022, Kearney will be looking to make an impact for the Hoyas this season. According to Tinsley, the West Virginia native will "shock a lot of people" this season after a successful spring and fall training camp. 

The GU running backs will also be joined by sophomore Mason Gudger. Last season the Tennessee native made his presence known after returning two touchdowns for 227 yards against Penn to become the second Patriot League player in history to return two touchdowns in the same game. Gudger was named Patriot League Rookie and Special Teams Player of the Week along with FedEx Ground FCS National Freshman of the Week for his historic performance. The sophomore also earned a spot on the All-Patriot League Second Team. 

"Mason is somebody that will do everything I say to the T and it works for him so my standards are very high for him. He works extremely hard and it showed in his offseason training. He will definitely make some noise coming from the back field."

The Hoyas added freshmen Bryce Cox and Udechukwu Enyeribe to the running back unit this season. As the 2022 offensive player of the year, Cox accumulated 300 all-purpose yards and 95 kick return yards while playing for Mount St. Joe's. Enyeribe joins GU after leading Independence High School to a third place finish at districts. 

"I want to see the freshmen expect to be out on the field at some point this year. They have to want to learn how to play the game of college football because it is faster than they are used to. During camp they have gotten more comfortable with playing at this speed so now they just need to be ready when it's time to play on Saturday."