Dominate: Tavien Feaster knows how to grab a starting spot

Feaster makes a catch earlier this spring

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Mon Mar 13 07:11:41 GMT-04:00 2017

CLEMSON – Dominate.

That’s the word of the spring for rising sophomore running back Tavien Feaster, who is hoping to use spring practice as a springboard to future success. Feaster knows it won’t be easy – he blames himself for his lack of playing time last season – but says he has the right mindset to be the replacement for departed starter Wayne Gallman.

“I want to just have fun with it, and to put myself in a position to win a job,” Feaster told the media last Friday. “I won't take anything for granted and I will just work hard every single day. I am working on every single aspect of my game, and I feel like I can grow and become a better player and contribute to this team. I am really working on everything this spring.”

Feaster earned carries in just six games last season, but was still the team’s third-leading rusher (second among running backs) with 37 carries for 221 yards. The lack of playing time? He doesn’t regret anything that happened last season.

“It helped me grow up a lot, on and off the field,” Feaster said. “I grew up a lot and appreciated the moments I was on the field. I got to be there for a National Championship and contribute on special teams. I was happy just to be there.”

He also learned how to be the man from watching Gallman.

“I learned how to practice. You have to practice at 110 percent every day,” Feaster said. “He is just a workhorse, and he is grinding every day. He showed why he was the leader of this group and one of the best backs in the country.”

What does he have to do to earn more playing time?

“In order for me to get on the field, I have to be able to pass block,” Feaster said. “Coach (Tony Elliott) explained that to me, and I said yes sir. I am putting in the overtime and going to work and getting my body ready just to have a shot to win it.

“He just wants me to focus on getting better every day, and if I get better then eventually I will fight for that top spot. He talked about academics and staying out of trouble and that everything matters.”

As a result, he entered the spring with his eye on the top spot.

“That is definitely what you want to come in thinking. But even with that, every day you want to outwork those guys,” Feaster said. “Guys like Adam (Choice) and C.J. (Fuller) come to work every day. I really appreciate that. They are pushing me on and off the field. I really appreciate having those guys around. I've never really had guys pushing me like that, and those guys just do that, so I am able to get better.”

As for last season, he knows exactly who to blame for his lack of playing time. Now that he understands that, he’s ready to dominate.

“It was Tavien. I won't blame it on anybody else,” he said. “There were times when I didn't feel as confident as I did in high school. I am getting back to myself and letting the game come to me and really just dominate, dominate in everything I do. “