Miami Transfer RB Donald Chaney Jr. Commits to Louisville

Chaney was an integral part of the Hurricanes' running back by committee approach in 2023.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville football program is now three-for-three on transfer portal commitments tonight.

Donald Chaney Jr., a running back who spent the first four years of his collegiate career at Miami, announced Saturday that he has committed to play his final season of eligibility with the Cardinals.

He’s the third portal commitment tonight for the Cards, following former FIU defensive tackle Jordan Guerad and former NIU center Pete Nygra. He’s also the fifth commitment over the last two days, with former Alabama wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks and former UCF cornerback Corey Thornton both committing on Friday night.

Chaney was an integral part to Miami's running back by committee approach to the 2023 season. The 5-foot-10, 210 pound back saw action in 11 of the Hurricanes' 12 games with a pair of starts, rushing for 478 yards and two touchdowns on 94 attempts. He finished third on the team in rushing yards, but was only 101 yards behind the leader, Mark Fletcher Jr.

The Homestead, Fla. native burst burst onto the scenes as a true freshman for the Canes in 2020. That season, he rushed for 322 yards and three scores on 68 attempts, while also hauling in 11 receptions for 143 yards. However, he suffered a torn ACL just two games into the 2021 season, then was limited to one game in 2022 after suffering a separate lower body injury in fall camp.

Chaney's commitment addresses a much needed veteran presence in the running back room for Louisville. With Jawhar Jordan heading to the NFL and Isaac Guerendo graduating, it leaves just Maurice Turner and Keyjuan Brown as the only scholarship returners. The Cardinals also bring in true freshmen Isaac Brown and Duke Watson.

Chaney is the 10th player to transfer to Louisville in this cycle, and the fifth offensive skill position player following Brooks, quarterback Tyler Shough plus tight ends Mark Redman and Tanner Koziol. The Cardinals have also seen nine scholarship players enter the portal since the winter transfer window opened on Dec. 4.

He is expected to sign on Dec. 20 for the first day of the early signing period. Louisville went 10-2 during the regular season with a berth in the ACC Championship Game under first year head coach Jeff Brohm, and are preparing for their Holiday Bowl matchup with USC on Dec. 27.

(Photo of Donald Chaney Jr.: Andy Lewis - USA TODAY Sports)

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