This decade, Northwestern has typically had a pretty solid running back in the back field, whether it be Evan Hull, Cam Porter or now Caleb Komolafe.
The team has also usually had a player, or multiple players, waiting in the wings with clear upside. This season, that would be a guy like Dashun Reeder, although he did end up entering the transfer portal at the end of the year.
This is how the Wildcats have historically won ballgames. They hound you on defense, and then they control the ball on offense for long possessions by running you over. That recipe might be shifting a little bit with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly at the helm, but Northwestern surely wants to maintain its ability to beat teams with its ground game.
Today, the 'Cats offered a 2027 rusher to try to help sure up that position for the future. It was an ambitious offer, taking a stab at signing Javian Jones-Priest, a four-star from Arlington, Texas.
Jones-Priest is only listed as a four-star on Rivals as of now, but Northwestern is his 27th offer, according to his post to X making the announcement. On 247Sports, he's still a three-star, but the website's industry ranking, which takes into account what others are saying, acknowledges that he's a four-star. Expect the website itself to make that change some time soon.
In addition to David Braun and the 'Cats, programs like Baylor, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas are all in the mix. Those aren't necessarily schools Northwestern can't beat out, but they are schools that will put up a difficult fight.
One thing that NU has going for it is that Kelly is coming into the fold. When he was first hired, Braun was honest with the media about how much of a boost his presence could be in recruiting offensive players.
Who knows? Jones-Priest might be willing to scorn a better football program to come play for Kelly, one of the more famous offensive minds of his generation. In Evanston, Jones-Priest would also get to play in a brand new stadium with a team that seems to have a dedicated athletic department behind it.
In his post, Jones-Priest thanked Northwestern running backs coach Aristotle Thompson. His continued work will be crucial in convincing the player to come to Northwestern.
Jones-Priest wouldn't be a factor for a few years even if he elects to come here, but the Wildcats have Komolafe and others to fill the role for the time being.