Analysis: What Dallan Hayden Brings to Memphis' Backfield
Memphis signed former Ohio State and Colorado running back Dallan Hayden out of the transfer portal this offseason. Hayden also prepped at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis and has one year of eligibility remaining.
He has rushed for 1,185 yards across four seasons and redshirted in 2023 after appearing in three games. Here is a breakdown of what Hayden brings to the Tigers’ backfield.
Vision
The most consistent trait on Hayden’s film is his vision and patience.
New Memphis offensive coordinator Kevin Decker uses more pullers in the run game than Tim Cramsey and Ryan Silverfield did in recent seasons. That fits Hayden’s skill set.
Hayden shows nice patience running behind two pullers on a same-side counter play.
This is counter again but without the same-side alignment. Hayden uses patience and vision again to rip off a big chunk.
This is a simple inside zone, and Hayden is able to find the outside lane. Usually this play is not meant to go outside, but Hayden recognized the defensive end go inside on the right tackle and took what the defense gave him.
Pass Protection
Hayden is listed at 205 pounds for 2025 and plays to that size in pass protection.
He steps up against linebackers and meets contact with good balance. He shows a willingness to square up and absorb rushers rather than cut-blocking or ducking contact. That trait should keep him on the field in obvious passing situations.
Reliability
Hayden has not fumbled in 264 carries.
Weaknesses and Final Verdict
Hayden is not a perfect player by any means. He is a very different style of player compared to Greg Desrosiers and Sutton Smith. Hayden does not show strong straight line speed relative to what Memphis has had the past two seasons. He is also not a strong pass-catcher, which is an element Desrosiers provided for the Tigers last season.
Despite the lack of explosive play ability and flash, Hayden will be a valuable player for Memphis in 2026. He provides a level of stability in the backfield that any play-caller wants. His pass protection and ball security skills will earn him plenty of playing time.
