USC running back Austin Jones announces return for 2023 season

The Stanford transfer rushed for 705 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. He also caught 25 passes for 267 yards and a score

Running back Austin Jones kept his announcement that he'll return for one more year at USC short and sweet.

"Run it back," read a graphic that he tweeted out. 

To Trojan Nation … ✌️6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/x9Nxjdfm9j

— Austin Jones❄️ (@rockwitaust) January 6, 2023

Jones transferred to USC from Stanford last season. In his first year with the Trojans, he rushed for 705 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 267 yards and a score.

Pro Football Focus gave Jones a 76.4 grade for offense and an 85.8 grade for rushing. Jones rushing grade was the highest of any player on USC's roster in 2022. The senior played in all 14 games for USC last season starting the team's final four following Travis Dye's season-ending injury against Colorado. 

Jones' return will lead to a crowded running back room for the Trojans in 2023. South Carolina transfer MarShawn Lloyd, Darwin Barlow, Raleek Brown and true freshmen Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson will all compete alongside Jones for playing time at the tailback spot. 

In USC's 48-45 regular season win over UCLA this past season, Jones rushed 21 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. 

“There was no doubt that he was ready," USC head coach Lincoln Riley said postgame. "There’s not one guy in that locker room surprised by what he did."