Frank Gore, Jr.: HE IS the MAN in 2023 for Southern Miss

Via Hunter Dworsky, Matt Leinart Heisman Trophy at Heritage Hall on USC campus.

The best running back in the Sun Belt Conference in 2023 is a mild mannered, unassuming man off the gridiron. But once he steps out of a nearby phone booth, adjusting his cape as he enters the huddle, he becomes an all-purpose offensive weapon known as the Super Back.

His mere-mortal name is Frank Gore, Jr., and he could be leaping those tall buildings in NYC on his way to the Heisman ceremony in December.

Over the past 2 seasons, Gore has rushed for 2100 yards and thrown 8 touchdown passes. Being short on consistent talent at the quarterback position, Gore has stepped up big time when his #3 was called. He has been a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare.

In 2022, Gore rushed for 1382 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging a stellar six yards per carry. He donned his black and gold cape and threw four TD passes as the Super Back, accounting for 13 total touchdowns last season.

Feeling strong as the games went along, Gore scored six of his nine TDs in the second half. He accumulated over 200+ yards of total offense three times last season.

Over the final two games of the season, Gore rushed for 528 yards and 3 scores.

In the LendingTree Bowl, Gore rushed 21 times for an FBS bowl record (and school single-game record) 329 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns (15-yard average). He also threw a TD pass in the game in the win over Rice, earning MVP honors.

How does Gore compare to other 2 all-purpose players who have hoisted the Heisman? Let us look.

1991: WR/KR Desmond Howard, Michigan

A converted tailback, Howard caught 62 passes for 985 yards and scored 23 total touchdowns. He scored 19 receiving TDs, rushed for a TD, ran a kick back for a score, and scored on a punt return. That punt return prompted “The Pose.”

1997: DB Charles Woodson, Michigan

Woodson was named Mr. Ohio Football his senior year of high school as a running back. He was recruited as a defensive back by the Wolverines, where he became a star. Woodson became the starter at DB in the 3rd game of his freshman season and recorded 5 INTs. He played in 34 career games at Michigan.

In the 1997 national championship season, Woodson snagged 7 INTs, rushed for a touchdown, caught 2 TD passes, and returned a punt for a score.

Climbing the School Rushing List

Via Southern Miss Athletics

Gore has 2891 career rushing yards to his credit. If he meets or exceeds last year’s totals, he could break the 4,000-yard mark and move up to #3 on the school’s all-time rushing list, behind only Damion Fletcher and Ito Smith.

Gore will be a huge part of the Golden Eagles offense again 2023. Until a quarterback can step up and apply a stranglehold on the QB1 starting spot, the Super Back will be on the scene to cause defensive coordinators to smash their clipboards.

As he exits the phone booth, adjusting his cape, Gore is ready to take the 2023 college football world by storm from his Fortress at The Rock.

You can read more of Tony's content on his personal blog called the Gridiron News.