Elijah McGuire's Already Brilliant Career at UL Lafayette

Elijah McGuire has been an absolute star for the Ragin' Cajuns since he came to ULL in 2013. While he disappointed by everyone's standards in 2015 (only 1,058 rushing yards, five yards per carry, and 16 total touchdowns), he's been one of the best at what he has done over his entire career.

Looking at his entire body of work, we're looking at one of the best running backs in the FBS when it comes to contributing in every facet of the offense. During his three seasons as a Ragin' Cajun, he has rushed for 3,174 yards (6.6 ypc), caught 101 passes for 1,156 yards, and generated 43 total touchdowns.

Being a well-rounded running back is rare in college as we see from the chart above. McGuire finds himself as one of two players since 2013 (Deandre Washington from Texas Tech being the other) to rush for 3,000 yards and catch 100 passes.

If you look at these same numbers over the last 10 years, you see a player that has numbers similar to big names like Demarco Murray, C.J. Spiller, James Starks, Joseph Randle, and Jacquizz Rodgers - all current running backs in the NFL.

Moving forward, this 2016 season could be a very memorable one for McGuire and those of us who are watching. With a similar season to his junior year (his worst season by far), he would become one of five members of the 4,000 rushing yard and 100-reception club since 2000. Two of the four current members of this club were Tulane standouts, Matt Forte and Mewelde Moore.

While Elijah McGuire did struggle by our standards this past season, let us not forget that what he has done as a student-athlete at UL Lafayette has been quite amazing.