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SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wofford’s running back room is one of the more intriguing position groups as the Terriers prepare for the 2025 season. With a mix of proven veterans, physical underclassmen, and eager freshmen, head coach Shawn Watson has a backfield that could shape the team’s identity this fall.
A Leader in Parsons
The anchor of the group is senior Kyle Parsons. At 6 feet and 205 pounds, Parsons brings durability and consistency after logging steady carries last season. Coaches trust him not only as a runner but also in pass protection, where his ability to pick up blitzes has made him a reliable every-down option.
Parsons showed his steady production during Wofford’s first fall scrimmage on Aug. 16, picking up 20 yards on four carries. He may not always break off the long run, but his ability to grind out tough yards makes him the veteran presence the backfield needs.
Jackson-Anderson Adds Spark
While Parsons provides stability, junior Ihson Jackson-Anderson brings versatility. At 5-10 and 196 pounds, the Michigan native offers speed and agility that make him dangerous in space. In the same scrimmage, Jackson-Anderson carried the ball four times for 24 yards, picking up a pair of first downs and showing his ability to extend drives.
His role could expand in 2025 as a change-of-pace back, someone who can thrive on outside runs or catch passes out of the backfield.
Modest Shows Physical Edge
Sophomore Gerald Modest offers a different style. At 6-1, 205, the Miami product has the size to deliver between-the-tackles power. He posted 18 yards on four carries in the scrimmage, running with a downhill approach that could make him a short-yardage weapon.
Watson has often emphasized physicality in his offensive schemes, and Modest’s bruising style fits that philosophy.
Cagle’s Consistency
Another back in the rotation is junior Devery Cagle, a Greenville native. At 5-10 and 200 pounds, Cagle provides a solid, north-south running style. He may not headline the group, but his steady play and reliability give the Terriers depth in case of injuries — something Wofford struggled with at times in 2024.
Freshmen Push for Roles
The youth movement is led by freshman Troy Timko, a 5-10, 200-pound back from Hilton Head Island. Timko has already drawn attention from the staff, getting opportunities in scrimmage reps early in camp. His physical maturity makes him a candidate to contribute right away, either in rotation or on special teams.
Redshirt freshman Isaac Schimpf also enters the mix after working back from injuries in 2024. At 5-10 and 205 pounds, he adds depth and could emerge as a contributor as the season progresses.
Watson’s Take on the Competition
Though he didn’t single out running backs in his post-scrimmage comments, Watson’s overall assessment spoke to the competitiveness of the group.
“You know, we’ve had a good camp that has been really competitive,” Watson said after the Aug. 16 scrimmage. “Today was about a lot of our veteran players and handling a lot of different situations… There are so many new faces, but there is talent in those new faces. That’s what’s really awesome.” (woffordterriers.com)
The Road Ahead
Wofford will continue to sort out its rotation over the coming weeks, with Parsons expected to lead the way and Jackson-Anderson, Modest, and Cagle filling key roles. The younger backs will have chances to prove themselves before the Terriers’ season opener at South Carolina State on Aug. 30.
For a program looking to climb back into the Southern Conference mix, the ground game will be crucial. With a deep and competitive running back room, the Terriers believe they have the tools to make it happen.
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