Ex-USC Football RB makes quick impression with ex-Trojan OC's NFL team

Keaontay Ingram, USC Football, USC Trojans
Keaontay Ingram, USC Football, USC Trojans / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY
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Former USC Football RB Keaontay Ingram was drafted this offseason by ex-Trojans Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's NFL team. Kingsbury of course is the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and gave the 2021 Trojan a shot in the League.

Sure enough, Cardinals' Pro Bowl Running Back James Conner went down, and it was Ingram's turn to get his shot as the backup running back behind Eno Benjamin. The Cards had other RB injuries too, and desperately needed Ingram to step up. Luckily for them, that's exactly what happened on Thursday Night Football this week. It was only Ingram's second NFL game of his life.

He still, however, scored a touchdown on the ground and also caught two passes for 23 yards. He did exactly what he needed to do as the backup RB for the Cardinals on Thursday, and was a fantastic change of pace back for a team that put up 42 points on the night. The running game was particularly dominant-- racking up 137 yards on 29 carries (4.7 yards per carry).

Ingram had one of the two rushing touchdowns. He had 37 all-purpose yards, but again, answered the calls when he was needed. Check out how insane this highlight is of one of his catches:

Keaontay Ingram is not only elusive, but the former USC Football RB is also physical.

Ex-USC Football Running Back Keaontay Ingram also has solid size to him, at 6-0, 215 pounds. It was most certainly of use to him with the Trojans, as he's the same guy who averaged 5.8(!) yards per carry with the Trojans in his one season here. He had over 1,000 all-purpose yards despite being in a system that ran with three different backs.

Next. Game-by-game predictions for USC in 2022. dark

It's no wonder Lincoln Riley wanted him back with USC, and promised him he'd be used as a featured back if he stayed one more year in college. He clearly hasn't lost a step, and is set to continue developing at the next level. SC's running game is most certainly cooking this year, and their running back from last year continues to ride the momentum he gained after balling out at USC last season.