
steady BYU back with toughness, versatility, and old-school grit
Ned Stearns is a former BYU running back whose value came from reliability and versatility more than flashy volume. In his BYU career, he logged 19 receptions for 239 yards, including a 15.2-yard average in the 2001 season, and he was trusted enough to move between running back and fullback roles across multiple seasons. The bigger takeaway: he was a physical, team-first depth piece who could help in short-yardage, pass protection, and emergency duty — exactly the kind of dependable, low-drama player coaches love to have in the room.