Running backs hope to lessen the pounding Boyd takes |
CLEMSON – Roderick McDowell and the rest of Clemson’s running backs want to take the pressure off of quarterback
Tajh Boyd
Boyd took a pounding last season running the football, and that pounding was never more evident than in the bowl win over LSU. Boyd not only passed the ball 50 times in the contest, but he ran the ball an astounding 29 times as well. At the end of last season, if the Tigers faced a third-and-short yardage situation, everybody in the stadium and watching on television knew that No. 10 was going to line up in the Pistol formation and run the ball himself, usually for a first down. Offensive coordinator
Chad Morris McDowell told TigerNet Tuesday afternoon that the backs have made it a focus to get better in short-yardage situations, and they hope that Morris calls their number in those situations. “Tajh cannot do it all by himself,” McDowell said. “You have me and
C.J. Davidson McDowell said that Boyd never complained, but the running backs know that should be their role. “Tajh was taking that pounding all year,” he said. “But now it is time for us to step up and take the load off of Tajh. We need him this year. And it doesn’t matter which of us Coach Morris calls on - the way we work in practice and the way we train, anybody can execute on third down. “ McDowell is listed as the starter, but both Morris and head coach
Dabo Swinney “For me, I feel like it doesn’t matter. Whenever the coach calls my number, I am going to go in there and have fun and do my best,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens. If he wants me to run it 20 or 30 times per game, then I am going to do it, no matter what.” McDowell then gave his scouting report on each of the other backs. On D.J. Howard – “D.J. is one of the dudes who is a small back, but he is really physical.” On Zac Brooks – “Zac is a pound it kind of back, and he can bring it, but he can line up and catch the ball coming out of the backfield, too. “ On Wayne Gallman – “Wayne is that heavy duty back, the guy that sticks his nose in there and move the chains.” On Tyshon Dye – “Tyshon, he reminds me of
Jamie Harper On C.J. Davidson – “He reminds of me myself. He has that speed, he is very shifty and he is quick.”
Tajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
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this season, hopefully keeping Clemson’s most valuable player healthy and fresh all season.
Chad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
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has said this fall that he wants to see the running backs step into that role, and the Tigers recruited freshmen
Wayne Gallman
Wayne Gallman
Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 195
Loganville, GA
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and
Tyshon Dye
Tyshon Dye
Fr. Running Back
#23 6-1, 205
Elberton, GA
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to be those physical backs that have been lacking in the Clemson offense. 
C.J. Davidson
RS So. Running Back
#32 5-11, 185
Clemson, SC
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and
Zac Brooks
Zac Brooks
So. Running Back
#24 6-1, 185
Jonesboro, AR
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and
D.J. Howard
D.J. Howard
RS Jr. Running Back
#22 5-11, 195
Lincoln, AL
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and Wayne Gallman. All of us are sitting there, and we have to help him out. Tajh can’t take that pounding 24-7. We have to establish the run and keep that mindset and take that off of him.”
Dabo Swinney
Head Coach
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have said that all of the backs will have a role to play in 2013, something that McDowell doesn’t mind. 
Jamie Harper
Running Back
#8 6-0, 235
Jacksonville, FL
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. He is a bigger back, but at the end of the day, he can be elusive, too. He can make plays out of the backfield.“
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