Gophers Stack Running Back Room with Michigan State Transfer

The Minnesota Gophers are determined to improve an offense that was downright immobile in 2023. The’ve brought in a new quarterback, multiple wide receivers, and after adding Michigan State running back Jaren Mangham, three veteran transfer portal running backs to tag-team with rising star, Darius Taylor.

Jaren Mangham commits to Minnesota Gophers

Mangham is a former 3-star high schooler out of Detroit (MI), who has played college football all over the country, including Colorado, USF and MSU. The 24-year-old has one year of eligibility remaining and joins a stacked Minnesota running back room that includes the aforementioned Taylor, along with transfers Sieh Bangura (Ohio) and Marcus Major (Oklahoma).

Jaren Mangham (@JarenMangham), RB, @USFFootball

"He's adept at grinding out yardage, while his ability to absorb contact has led to him posing a big-play threat after contact."

More prospects here ⤵️https://t.co/prRa8nMi72pic.twitter.com/ITqBHwEapi

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) June 21, 2022

Related: How Good is New Gophers QB Max Brosmer?

The best two seasons of Mangham’s career came in 2019 (Colorado) and, especially, 2021 (USF) when he rushed for 671 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Gophers have gone through a lot of running backs the last couple seasons and PJ Fleck clearly doesn’t want to allow injuries and a lack of depth play a part in derailing their 2024 campaign.