Hurdling running back has a chance to elevate Cal Poly football team’s ground game

As Aiden Ramos received a swing pass near the right sideline, a University of San Diego defender went in to tackle the 5-foot-10, 210-pound running back.

When the defender’s legs left the ground, Ramos took flight and hurdled the opposing player.

Ramos was a true freshman last year when he pulled off the daring move in one of his first college touches.

Later in that game, the Mustangs needed a small gain to get a first down. To reach the marker, he hurdled over a crowd of defenders near the line of scrimmage, but his legs were clipped and he somersaulted in the air before landing on his back.

“For the most part, I know when to do it and when not to,” Ramos said of his acrobatics. “I’m kind of used to it now.”

After a solid start to the 2023 season, Ramos suffered a knee injury four games in. He missed the rest of the season and spent the summer rehabilitating his knee.

Now, Ramos has emerged as a top target in the Mustangs’ crowded running back room with numerous veteran players who’ve contributed in the past.

As Cal Poly works to improve its rushing game, Ramos’ reliable skill set and strength could be the spark the team needs to revitalize its ground attack.

“He’s young in playing experience,” said Steve Broussard, a nine-season former NFL player and the current running backs coach for Cal Poly. “But he could potentially be an every down back and carry the load. He has the mentality like that.”

On the season, Ramos leads the team with 26 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Hurdling players since he was 12

According to his father, Jesse Ramos, the hurdle was an “instinctive” move Ramos has used since he was 12. Because of Aiden’s physically imposing stature, players will opt to tackle at his legs instead of meeting him higher up.

Ramos attended Bishop Amat High School in Los Angeles. In California high school football, hurdling a standing defender is banned, but offensive players are allowed to hurdle once the defender leaves their feet.

Ramos remembers people constantly diving at his legs once he got into high school. The hurdle became a natural counter for Ramos, who was recognized with second-team All-Mission League and first-team All-Area honors.

“I was like, ‘The next dude who does, I’m going to jump over them and see what happens,’” Ramos said.

But in order for the move to work, a player needs to have the strength to make defenders want to dive low.

“He’s got a style about him that’s going to potentially wear down defenses,” Head Coach Paul Wulff said. “But we’ve got to continue to get other pieces of a running game going so his style will help us more.”

Strength has never been a question for Ramos. As a freshman in high school, he moved his bed from his regular room closer to his weights in the garage.

When Jesse Ramos returned from working late shifts, he would get home in the middle of the night and hear the slamming of weights in the garage.

“I’m hearing the weights clanking off, and I’m like, ‘Get to bed.’” Jesse recalled saying.

How the run game improves

While the rushing totals have been low for the Mustangs (84 net total yards through three games), talent in the backfield isn’t the question.

Along with Ramos, the team has a diverse set of skill sets in the backfield, including pass catchers, fast runners and power running backs.

“We just got to commit (to the run game), then execute it,” Broussard said. “We have some flashes at times, but then we’re not consistently executing it.”

The rushing attack has been an area of concern going back a few years.

The Mustangs haven’t surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in a season since 2019.

For the team to take a step forward, it will be imperative to have a run game that can control the clock and give the defense time to rest. It will also open up more passing opportunities.

“You got to be able to protect your defense,” Broussard said. “As explosive as offenses are in this league, we would like to control some of the clock and help our defense out.”

Even with the struggles early, Ramos still has faith in his team.

“I got full faith in my offensive line,” Ramos said. “I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else. So I love those guys. I got full faith in them, and we’re going to keep getting better every week.”