USC running back Keaontay Ingram accepts Collegiate Bowl invite, won't return in 2022
USC will be looking for a new featured running back in 2022.
He had one more year of eligibility, but Keaontay Ingram won’t use it. The fourth-year tailback has accepted an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, effectively serving as an NFL Draft declaration.
Our latest #NFLPABowl addition 🏈
RB Keaontay Ingram (@keaontay_ingram) out of @USC_FB will be joining us in Pasadena this month. Ingram made his mark after transferring to USC and earned nearly 1,000 rushing yards in 2021.
We can’t wait, let’s go Keaontay 🔥#Path2Pasadena pic.twitter.com/luUkIeN3BM
— The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) January 5, 2022
Ingram played just one season for the Trojans after coming over from Texas in the offseason, but he immediately made an impact on the ground. In 10 appearances, Ingram put up 911 yards and five scores on 156 carries (5.8 per carry) to lead the Trojans.
It was a career year for the Carthage, Texas, native as he supercharged what was one of college football’s least-efficient ground games prior to his arrival. In his three-year (2018-20) career with the Longhorns, he rushed for 1,811 yards on 339 carries (5.3 average) with 11 touchdowns while hauling in 67 receptions for an additional 515 yards and six scores.
Senior Vavae Malepeai, the Trojans’ No. 2 back on the year, doesn’t plan to return in 2022. So, with Ingram heading off to the NFL, the window would appear to be wide open for 5-star running back signee Raleek Brown to step in right away and play serious snaps for new head coach Lincoln Riley.