Ernest Temple is part of a new-look backfield this fall for Western Illinois. In two seasons at NJCAA College of DuPage, he helped the team win a pair of national titles. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)
By Barry Bottino
MACOMB – When Karl Mofor describes the type of running back that he’s looking for to lead the Western Illinois offense, he’s quite specific.
“We’ve got to be three-down backs,” the WIU running backs coach said.
The prime example of that profile was Cam Smith, who rushed for 802 yards, caught 32 passes, piled up 1,101 all-purpose yards and scored 12 total touchdowns last season. “That’s the standard that was set,” Mofor said.
The Leathernecks could rely on more than just one player in the run game this season.
“Any good offense will have multiple running backs,” WIU head coach Joe Davis said. “I feel like we’ve upgraded the depth of that position.”
With Smith gone via the transfer portal to FBS Charlotte, the Leathernecks have plenty of willing candidates to take over the job.
“A lot of us in the room can do that,” said Thornton Fractional South High School graduate Ernest Temple, who won two national titles at NJCAA College of DuPage. “That’s what a good running back room is supposed to look like.”
As for Temple, who gained 120 total yards – including a 50-yard reception – in COD’s 2024 title game victory, his strengths fit the mold.
“I’m a go-out-there-and-get-it-done type of back,” he said. “I’m a very physical back. I can receive out of the backfield. I run hard.”
Playing in multiple playoff games in junior college allowed Temple, a junior, to produce on a big stage.
“Every game is a big moment,” he said. “A national championship shows that when the lights come on, you’ve got to leave it all on the field.”
Temple is competing with a crowd in fall camp, including junior transfers Markell Holman (FCS Saint Francis) and Brinston Williams (FBS Mississippi State).
Holman, who describes himself as a “downhill” runner, rushed for nearly 600 yards and six touchdowns last season and is encouraged by the WIU offense’s potential.
“There can be a lot done,” he said. “We had the best offense in the (Ohio Valley) conference. The standard is high. We’re trying to match that and raise it. The ceiling is huge.”
Williams played in 11 games last season, primarily on special teams.
“Brinston has been in a big-time football program,” Davis said. “With the grind of the games and the Xs and Os, he doesn’t blink. He just needs to play.”
During fall camp, Mofor said he expects each of the backs to take their opportunities seriously.
“As the season goes on, we’ll worry about adjustments and rotations,” he said. “Right now, everyone is the No. 1 when they’re on the field. They’re all competing to be that one. That’s the mindset in the room.”
QB race ongoing
Davis said an announcement on the team’s starting quarterback to replace Nate Lamb is likely to come just before the team’s season opener Aug. 29 in Champaign.
“We’ll probably wait to announce the actual starting quarterback when we put out the depth chart for Illinois,” he said.
Senior Chris Irvin, the team’s backup last season, threw for three touchdowns in seven games in 2024 and has the most experience. Redshirt freshman Tanner Zolnosky played in two games last fall and led a touchdown drive against FCS playoff qualifier Southeast Missouri.
The other candidates include junior transfer T.C. Molk, redshirt freshman Antwon McKay Jr. and true freshman Cason Carswell.
All five players got reps during the scrimmage portion of Friday’s practice in Macomb.
Lamb has transitioned to coaching as a graduate assistant working with the WIU defense.
New faces at WR
Western’s top two receivers from last season – Matthew Henry (Western Kentucky) and Eli Aragon (Coastal Carolina) – hit the transfer portal, taking 129 catches and 13 touchdowns with them.
Injuries have sidelined or limited returnees Demari Davis and Christian Anaya, along with incoming transfer Fabian Baez, during camp.
“It’s kind of forced some of the young receivers and the new receivers to grow up a little faster,” Davis said.
The “new” group getting reps in practice has included redshirt freshman Aric Johnson, true freshmen Morgan Quiri and Joel Salien, and incoming transfer Joshua Nieves.
“Right now, our offense is just not consistent enough,” Davis said. “We’re trying to work through it.”
Defensive reconstruction
The Leathernecks and new defensive coordinator Landon Fox are rebuilding a unit that allowed more than 43 points and 490 yards a game last season.
So far, Davis has noticed a difference.
“Early in camp, I’ve been really pleased with the competitiveness on defense,” he said. “This team’s got a good spirit.”
The Leathernecks announced 13 defensive additions to the roster on February’s signing day and will have new faces in multiple spots.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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