Hornets' Run Game Set for a Reset
Alabama State University entered the offseason aware that its rushing attack had taken a hit. The team lost 1,101 yards and 20 touchdowns from three departing backs — Michael Harris II, Jahbari Kuykendall and Karl Ligon — who exited via the transfer portal. Those departures left a sizable hole in a ground game that had helped the Hornets climb into the top tier of the SWAC and FCS classifications in 2025.
Hostzclaw Returns to Lead the Backfield
Jamarie Hostzclaw, the leading rusher in 2025, decided to stay for a third season rather than test the portal again. His decision brings back a proven workhorse who topped the team’s charts last year and is now expected to shoulder the bulk of the carries. Coaches have praised his vision and durability, noting that his presence alone adds a sense of continuity that the offense sorely needs.
New Faces in the Backfield
Adding to the mix is Jareese Howard, a transfer from Lincoln University who contributed 1,214 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns across 24 games in 2025. Howard’s blend of power and agility should give Hostzclaw a reliable partner, allowing the staff to diversify the playbook while still leaning on the run. The coaching staff also expects local products Ashton Ashford and JR Gardner, both Alabama natives, to see increased snaps as they fight for a larger role in the rotation.
Quarterback and Offensive Identity
At the helm of the offense, dual‑threat quarterback Andrew Body will continue to orchestrate the attack. While Body’s arm talent opens up play‑action opportunities, the Hornets have made it clear that their success will still hinge on a strong rushing foundation. The balance between Body’s passing and the ground game will be a focal point of practice sessions as the team fine‑tunes its identity.
Coaching Expectations
Running backs coach Juwan Lewis has been vocal about the need for Hostzclaw to emulate the production of the program’s last 1,000‑yard rusher, a feat that last occurred in 2016. Lewis believes that with Hostzclaw anchoring the backfield, the Hornets can not only fill the statistical gap left by the departed players but also re‑establish a reputation as a team that wins with the run.
The broader goal is to translate the momentum built during the 2025 campaign into a sustained push for conference dominance in 2026. If the revamped backfield can deliver the expected yardage, Alabama State hopes to reclaim its place among the SWAC’s elite and make a deeper run in the FCS playoffs.