SMU lands transfer running back

[PonyPride]

T.J. Harden, a 6-2, 220-pound running back who was a junior in 2024, announced on social media that he has transferred from UCLA to SMU.

From the UCLA website:

Career Summary
Has started 14 of 31 games played ... has rushed 324 times for 1,658 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns ... has caught 63 passes for 523 yards (8.3 yards per reception) and two scores ... has eclipsed 100 yards rushing in four games ... registered 156 carries for 827 yards and eight touchdowns as sophomore in 2023.

2024
Played in all 12 games, making 11 starts (not Iowa) … posted team highs of 124 carries, 506 rushing yards (4.1 yards per rush) and two touchdowns on ground … had 40 catches for 368 yards (9.2 yards per reception) and one touchdown … made at least one catch in all 12 games; caught four or more passes in five games … scored one rushing touchdown versus Fresno State (Nov. 30) and another against Indiana (Sept. 14) … rushed 14 times for 99 yards versus USC (Nov. 23); had season-long 40-yard carry against Trojans … registered season highs of six catches and 79 receiving yards at Washington (Nov. 15) … posted season highs of 20 carries and 125 rushing yards against Iowa (Nov. 8...) … broke 50-yard receiving mark in back-to-back games against Minnesota (Oct. 12 – 57) and at Penn State (Oct. 5 – 59); logged season-long 53-yard catch and run from quarterback Justyn Martin in visit to Nittany Lions … named to Doak Walker Award preseason watch list.

[PonyPride]

Rhett Lashlee kinda/sorta/almost said the Mustangs would be looking for a big running back to add a veteran and some size at the position after L.J. Johnson, Camar Wheaton and Rooster Knighton all left.

[PonyPride]

Highlights

[BIGHORSE]

Big time need filled at running back!!!

[Otto]

This was quietly a big priority, and let's hope he turns out to be as advertised. We have some stud RBs, but needed a veteran voice in the group. Getting that voice from a 220-pound guy who can run out the clock with power sure helps, too.

Imagine the change of pace defenses will have to deal with going from McFall to this guy to Johnson to Green ... and we have Rhodes coming next year.

Nice stable of running Mustangs.