Monday July 13, 2009

The Pieces of the Running Game

The Pieces of the Running Game
So far this spring and summer I have written blogs about C.J. Spiller, the importance of the running game, the lack of the running game last season and this year’s offensive line. Today, I want to examine all of the pieces of the running game and how they could work to improve the running game in 2009.

There are three vital keys to the running game. You can’t have a successful running game without a productive offensive line, talented running backs and a commitment to the run.

So let’s look at all three aspects.

Offensive Line
I was asked this morning on my radio show if Clemson fans should be optimistic about the offensive line this year. The caller wanted to know what was going to be different about this year’s offensive line.

I do think this year’s front will be better for a few reasons. They are one year more experienced. Clemson lost only Bobby Hutchinson from last year’s offensive line. Hutchinson started seven games last year so the Tigers return 58 of the 65 starts from last season.

This is also a big deal considering Mason Cloy (12), Landon Walker (11) and David Smith (3) combined for 26 of the 65 starts as red-shirt freshmen. Antoine McClain played all 13 games last season as a true freshman.

Remember the difference in Dustin and Roman Fry later in their careers after they played as redshirt freshmen?

Chris Hairston is very good at left tackle and he returns after starting the bowl game as a red-short freshman and ten games last season. Thomas Austin has started the last 25 games over the last two seasons.

I think McClain is a future superstar at the right guard position. There were times this past spring where he was dominant.

So with Hairston and Austin on the left side of the line, I consider this a strength. McClain seems to have solidified himself at right guard so this leaves center and right tackle as the two question marks on the offensive front.

Cloy started 12 games at guard last year but has moved to center and seems to have the inside track here. However, the staff likes Dalton Freeman also. I watched Freeman in the spring scrimmage that Cloy missed and like Freeman’s nasty streak. He is a hard-nosed kid that likes to compete. I think the Tigers are in good shape here.

At right tackle Walker returns as the starter but Corey Lambert and true freshman J.K. Jay pushed Walker this spring. Walker played well at times last season but he is not guaranteed a starting position heading into this season. Lambert is not as tough or physical but he has athletic ability. I think Jay is the long-term answer at right tackle. He is a tough, physical player that has a bright future.

Another reason I think this line will be better is competition. Cloy and Freeman will make each other better at center. I think David Smith can push the guards. The staff will try to red-shirt Brandon Thomas but he has a very bright future as well. Matt Sanders, Wilson Norris and Barry Humphries add some quality depth at guard also.

I am a firm believer that the offensive line will benefit from two coaches this season. Brad Scott will coach the guards and centers and Danny Pearman will work with the tight ends and tackles. I like the two coach system and love the toughness Pearman brings to the young tackles.

In summary, this line should be more talented, deeper and better coached in 2009.

Running Backs
The second part of a successful running game is talent at running back and this is the one aspect I have the least questions about. There is depth talent, experience and versatility in this unit.

You don’t need me to tell you C.J. Spiller is a superstar. What we will see different in 2009 is Spiller as the feature back. I love James Davis but I am looking forward to seeing Spiller get 15-20 carries per game. As a junior, he showed more toughness and I think he can handle the extra carries. He could have a monster 2009 campaign.

Before the injury in August, Jamie Harper was ultra-impressive. He is an awesome blend of power and speed. Before the injury he cut very well. For a 230-pound back he has exceptionally quick feet. I think we will see a healthy Harper who can be a major part of the running game this season.

Andre Ellington red-shirted last season but he impressed the staff with his speed, quickness and agility. Ellington is not quite as athletic as Spiller but he reminds me of Spiller is so many ways. He is not as shifty but is a tougher than Spiller was at this stage.

Three backs should get the Tigers through the season and Roderick McDowell needs a red-shirt season but he will be the next in line after Spiller graduates.

Chad Diehl and Rendrick Taylor will be valuable parts of the running game with their blocking. Taylor can also be a feature back in short-yardage situations.

Commitment

The final part of the running game is a commitment to the run. As I stated in an earlier blog, I don’t care how talented your backs or line is, if you are not committed to the running game then it can’t succeed. Virginia Tech is a good example of average talent at both spots but a solid commitment to the run means success to the Hokie rushing attack.

This is a mentality and it gives the Hokies an identity. I think Dabo understands the importance of toughness and wants this kind of identity for his program.

Running the football is a vital. Running it against good defenses is tough but imperative. Because of improvement in all three areas, I would be surprised if this offense does not see a drastic improvement in the running game in 2009.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Mrs. Kathleen Bowers, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, William Perry, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, the Byrd family, the Dixon family, Chalmers Carr.