2018 Fordham Football Camp Report - The Running Back

Bronx, N.Y. – We continue our position-by-position look at the 2018 Rams we take a look at a position that was hit hard by graduation: running back. Chase Edmonds graduated last spring after being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He leaves Rose Hill as the Fordham and Patriot League career rushing leader, despite missing part of the 2017 season with an injury. Because of Edmonds' injury last fall, two underclassmen, sophomore D'Angelo Palladino and freshman Zach Davis, stepped in and showed that they could handle the load. Here's a look at the running backs in camp for the 2018 Rams: D'Angelo Palladino (Jr., 5-10, 200) • Appeared in eight games, both at running back and on special teams, making one start. • Rushed 73 times for 481 yards and four touchdowns. • Second on team in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. • Also had two receptions for 10 yards. • Had a career day in in first start, rushing 31 times for 297 yards and three scores in win over Lehigh. • The 297 yards is the most rushing yards in a game by an NCAA FCS player this year and the third most all-time at Fordham. • Named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week following Lehigh game. Zach Davis (So., 5-10, 198) • Appeared in seven games as a freshman, starting two. • Rushed 76 times for 391 yards (5.1 yards/carry) with two touchdowns. • Also returned one kickoff for 15 yards. • Fifth in the Patriot League in rushing yards/game (55.9). • Rushed for 119 yards on 21 carries at Bryant. • Gained 70 yards on nine carries, all in the fourth quarter, in first collegiate game at Central Connecticut. • Picked up 47 yards on 17 rushes versus Eastern Washington. • Registered 50 yards on eight carries with a score against Yale. • Gained 33 yards on three carries with a 15-yard scoring run at Colgate. • Carried 17 times for 69 yards at Georgetown. Colton Smith (Sr., 6-1, 209) • Moved to running back from quarterback in 2017. • Appeared in eight games as a junior. • Rushed twice for six yards, both coming in the Lehigh win. • Also recorded five tackles, three solo, on special teams. Naim Mayfield (Fr., 5-10, 165) • Played football for head coach Eddie Gurrieri at Manalapan High School. • The New Jersey 2017 scoring leader with 288 points. • 2017 First Team All-State selection. • Shore Conference Player of the Year. • Third among all New Jersey rushing leaders with 2,684 yards in 2017. • 203 carries for 2,684 and 48 touchdowns in 2017. • Career totals: 4,628 yards and 79 touchdowns. Antonio Cortez Feria (Fr., 5-10, 200) • Played football for head coach Kale Ane at Punahou High School in Hawaii.