Prior to this season, junior running back Terrence Magee’s most memorable play was a failed jump pass attempt in last season’s 14-6 loss to Florida.
Just one year later, he enters Southeastern Conference play as LSU’s leading rusher after accumulating 210 yards and three touchdowns in his 26 carries.
“I’m excited about having a bigger role and being able to make a bigger impact on the game,” Magee said. “It feels good to finally have that chance.”
Magee showed promise as a freshman, carrying the ball 27 times for 133 yards, including a 55-yard performance against Ole Miss.
But he experienced a significant decline in prodution in 2012, collecting a mere nine all-purpse yards as the coaching staff seemed to have trouble deciding how to use him.
“We got so many people that’s capable of making a big play, and a lot of people kind of forget about you,” said senior linebacker Lamin Barrow. “In my eyes, [Magee] is one of the guys who I was waiting to get an opportunity. … That’s why I was so proud of him when he had a big game in Dallas.”
Due to the absence of sophomore running back Jeremy Hill, Magee received his chance in LSU’s season opener against TCU where he helped lift the Tigers’ past the Horned Frogs with 95 yards and two touchdowns on 13 touches.
While fans may not have seen it coming, Magee’s success comes as no surprise to his teammates or coaches.
“Ever since the Ole Miss game our freshman year, I knew it was in him,” said junior wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. “I knew he was a great athlete and would be a great back here. I’m just glad he’s finally getting his opportunity.”
After failing to touch the ball in the first half of last week’s game against Kent State, he lit it up late with nine carries, 108 yards and a score.
Senior running back Alfred Blue said Magee’s ability to close out games could prove to be invaluable for the Tigers down the stretch.
“Just the way he’s running right now, it’s amazing,” Blue said. “He resembles me a lot coming in and closing out those games.”
Magee said his success has less to do with him and more to do with the offensive line he credited with “pushing guys around” for him.
With Hill back in full force, it’s yet to be seen how Magee’s role will evolve as LSU delves deeper into its SEC schedule.
But Magee said it doesn’t matter how often he gets the ball as long as he continues to make an impact.
“Whether that’s getting carries or pass protecting or getting reps on special teams, it does not matter,” Magee said. “It just feels good to contribute and help fight for a victory.”