C.J. Spiller ready to showcase his skills

by TigerNet Staff - Sunday, August 7, 2011 9:22 PM

C.J. Spiller
Pos: RB Height: 5-11 Weight: 195 Hometown: Lake Butler, FL (Union County HS) Years Played: 2006 - 2009

From The Associated Press:

""Guys were telling me that once the season starts everything picks up," Spiller recalled with a shake of the head and a laugh this week. "But you know, as a young guy you kind of wonder if it's really true or not. Well, that's what kind of happened."

Spiller learned the hard way how quickly even a highly touted first-round pick could go from dynamic to dud.

"Ha, ha, I thought I was back in Death Valley again," he said, referring to Clemson's Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, a facility Spiller essentially owned during his senior season. "But it was a great learning experience. I know what to expect now. I'm definitely excited about having another year to go out there and showcase."

Spiller has come to training camp determined to put last year behind him.
Listed at 193 pounds, he's three pounds lighter than a year ago, but he has noticeably bulked up his upper body. Spiller has also reassessed his expectations, appreciating he needs to be more patient as a runner and understanding that a 4-yard gain is perfectly acceptable at the NFL level.
"I think I was just trying to force it so much, just trying to make the big play," he said. "This year, I believe I've become much more mentally strong. So we'll see if it pays off."