ULM Warhawks

By Paul Letlow, ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist

Nope, your memory isn't playing tricks on you ULM fans.

You've seen this guy in action before, but it's been awhile.

ULM running back Ben Luckett made the most of his opportunities on Saturday night with 127 yards on seven carries in a 51-43 win over Coastal Carolina. The sturdy junior from Palestine, Texas, did his best runaway train impression with two explosive runs of more than 50 yards. 

"It's a great feeling man," Luckett told media members after the game. "I just have to continue to work. I know it's a bunch of backs. When my number did get called, I knew I had to be productive with it, so I can be in the rotation."

Entering the fray in relief of starter Derrick Gore, Luckett reintroduced himself to Warhawk Nation with a 53-yard run to Coastal's 17 on the final play of the first quarter. Six plays later, and after catching his breath, he trotted back out to pound in a 1-yard score.

ULM's first series in the third quarter, Luckett again spelled Gore and answered the call with a 56-yard sprint to the end zone that put the Warhawks ahead 38-22. 

At 5-foot-11, 229 pounds, Luckett might be viewed as a short-yardage bludgeon but he was quick to point out his career highlight to date -- an 85-yard touchdown run up the middle against Arkansas State two season ago that ranks as one of the longest rushes in school history.

"I was tired, I'm not going to lie," Luckett said. "But I had that 85-yarder when I first got here. It just felt great to be able to contribute. Now that I haven't been playing lately, it felt good to get out there. All credit to my offensive line because they were working."

Luckett was ULM's leading rusher as a red-shirt freshman with 509 yards in 2015, when he made his 85-yard dash. Last season, he again led the Warhawks in rushing, but his production slipped to 450 yards and five touchdowns in eight starts. He posted 110 yards on 18 carries against Southern and 100 yards on 27 carries against Texas State but was losing touches toward the end of the year.

Luckett came into the Coastal contest with 3 yards on one of team's 131 carries through the first three games, ranking behind backfield mates Gore, Kayin White, Duke Carter and Austin Vaughn in attempts and yards.

"I thought that Ben Luckett had been practicing really good," ULM coach Matt Viator said. "Ben had an injury during August camp, so he had to miss two or three weeks. He came back and Derrick was playing pretty good. I don't know. … We kind of made it a point to make sure that he got in there because he's healthy. He was healthy last week too. It was important that we got him in there.

"I like our running back situation," Viator continued. "We've got guys. I give Austin Vaughn about 80, 85 percent (healthy). He's still not quite there. I thought Ben stepped in and did a great job."

Luckett sensed last week in practice that his role was going to be bigger against Coastal Carolina. Seeing the hole of opportunity opening up before him, he prepared accordingly.

"I knew all week," Luckett said. "Coach (Alan) Ricard, he lets you know what's going on in practice and where you are this week. I knew in practice all week. He let me know to make the most of my opportunity. Good things happen if you do."

Take away Luckett's long runs and ULM's offense wasn't at its best against Coastal Carolina. ULM quarterback Caleb Evans managed just 12-of-20 passing for 101 yards and the Warhawks were 2-of-11 on third-down conversions.

Still, ULM (2-2) was able overcome its issues to get the win while ascending to the top of the Sun Belt standings at 2-0.

In a way, Luckett's own situation is a microcosm of the 2017 ULM football team so far.

"It's the culture around here," Luckett said. "We love to compete. People love to compete with each other. It's fun. It's more fun that way. If you're not hating on each other and just competing to make each other better, then things are going to be good."