Southern University Strengthens Backfield with SEC Transfer Ronnie Crosby III

Marshall Faulk, the Hall-of-Fame running back and Southern University head coach, continues to bolster one of the most talented backfields in HBCU football. After successfully retaining former LSU running back Trey Holly, Faulk added another SEC-caliber player to the roster: Texas A&M transfer Ronnie Crosby III.

The move highlights Faulk’s strategy of stacking Southern’s backfield with proven talent to compete in a conference where many teams favor pass-heavy offenses. By surrounding the program with players experienced in Power Five systems, Faulk aims to create a versatile, dynamic rushing attack capable of challenging opponents at all levels.

Southern’s 2025 campaign exposed areas of struggle, but the running game stood out as a bright spot. Trey Holly rushed for 798 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing elite speed and vision. His season was capped by an 80-yard touchdown against North Carolina Central in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, a play that underscored why he attracted significant attention as a high school recruit and eventually landed at LSU.

Adding Crosby to the mix signals Faulk’s commitment to building depth and talent at the position. Crosby’s skill set complements Holly’s, offering Southern multiple explosive options in the backfield while reinforcing the team’s running-first philosophy under Faulk’s leadership.

1. Holly’s Proven Impact

Trey Holly’s presence has already elevated Southern’s rushing attack, giving the team a legitimate offensive weapon and a model for incoming players like Crosby. Holly arrived at Southern as a four-star recruit with an accomplished high school resume, finishing his prep career with 10,532 rushing yards—setting a state record—and 160 touchdowns. Holly’s production was consistent, with 51 games of 100+ rushing yards and an average of 159.4 yards per game. His senior season alone featured 2,694 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns, guiding Union Parish to the LHSAA Division III title game. These numbers underscore the level of experience and talent that Faulk has been able to attract to Southern. In 2025, Holly demonstrated that he could translate that high school dominance to the college level. Beyond raw statistics, his vision, speed, and ability to break long runs have made him a central part of Southern’s offensive identity, giving the coaching staff confidence in the program’s running game foundation. His success also serves as a template for transfers like Crosby. Holly’s trajectory—from high school star to SEC recruit and now HBCU standout—illustrates the potential impact an elite back can have on Southern’s offense and recruiting credibility.

2. Crosby’s SEC Experience

Ronnie Crosby III brings additional pedigree and depth to the backfield. A former Texas A&M running back, Crosby competed in the SEC, facing top-tier defenses and gaining experience in high-pressure situations. That exposure provides Southern with a player who understands elite-level competition and can immediately contribute both on the ground and in practice. Crosby’s arrival also ensures that Southern has multiple capable options at tailback, allowing Faulk to rotate personnel and maintain a fresh, dynamic rushing attack. In a conference where passing often dominates, having two SEC-experienced backs gives Southern a tactical advantage in establishing a more balanced offense. Crosby’s presence may also accelerate team development. Learning alongside Holly and under Faulk’s guidance, Crosby has the opportunity to adapt quickly to Southern’s system and elevate the overall performance of the unit. This pairing creates a formidable one-two punch for the 2026 season. By combining SEC experience with HBCU opportunity, Faulk has positioned Southern to become not only competitive in the SWAC but also a showcase program for running back talent, demonstrating that top-tier recruits can thrive under his mentorship.

3. Building a Contender

Marshall Faulk’s strategy extends beyond individual talent—he is assembling a backfield capable of sustaining championship-level production. By retaining Holly and adding Crosby, Southern has created one of the deepest and most explosive rushing units in the HBCU landscape. Depth is critical in a physically demanding conference. Injuries, fatigue, and the need for strategic rotations make having multiple skilled backs essential for a successful season. Faulk’s recruitment ensures Southern will not only survive but potentially dominate on the ground. The presence of multiple SEC-caliber backs also enhances Southern’s recruiting profile. High school prospects can now see a clear path to both development and exposure, knowing that Southern has a track record of attracting and maximizing top-tier talent. As Faulk prepares for his first season as head coach, the combination of Holly and Crosby signals the beginning of a new era for Southern’s rushing attack. With experienced playmakers and a clear system in place, the program is positioned to compete at the top of the SWAC in 2026.