Adam Hunsucker

ahunsucker@thenewsstar.com

What kind of impact will Alabama transfer Derrick Gore have on ULM’s offense?

The answer is immediate.

Gore, a redshirt junior who has two years of eligibility, should contend for the running back job from the moment spring practice begins. A compact runner at 5-10 and 210 pounds, Gore turned heads at Alabama in fall camp after arriving as a walk-on in 2015 and ran for a 27-yard touchdown against Florida in the 2016 SEC Championship Game.

Gore’s blend of power and shiftiness is a nice compliment to a stable of running backs built more for collision than speed.

ULM adds Alabama transfer RB

Ben Luckett led ULM in rushing last season with 450 yards and five touchdowns on 120 carries, but the junior only ran for 105 yards over the last half of the season. JUCO transfer Thomas Koufie came on strong at the end of the year and ran 80 times for 426 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns.

Sophomore Duke Carter showed flashes of potential as a true freshman, while sophomore walk-on Austin Vaughn’s playing time increased as the season wore on.

The Warhawks lose second-team All-Sun Belt selection Jeff Savage on the offensive line, but four starters return up front and should be bolstered by the addition of Texas Tech transfer Trace Ellison. Reserve tackle Samuel Williams made one appearance as a true freshman last season at Appalachian State and 6-4, 340 pound monster T.J. Fiailoa should be ready to make an impact.

ULM currently has verbal commitments from two-star Woodlawn (Baton Rouge) running back Javin Myers and four total offensive linemen, three of which top 300 pounds.

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