Bellamy guarantees he will break Spiller's records

Photos: Icon SMI

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Fri Feb 04 00:29:43 GMT-04:00 2011

Clemson signee Mike Bellamy told TigerNet that he understands the comparisons between himself, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller. And he welcomes them.

But the 2011 Clemson signee out of Punta Gorda (Charlotte High School) Florida also wants to make it perfectly clear that he is out to help Clemson win games over the next four seasons – and set the kind of standard that has people comparing other running backs to him.

“A lot of people tell me that I remind them of Chris Johnson, and then they also tell me C.J. Spiller,” Bellamy said recently. “I really like to watch C.J. run, and I understand the comparisons because he went to Clemson and I am going to Clemson. But I also want to make a name for myself at Clemson.

“And I want everybody to know that I am not out to be C.J. Spiller, and I am not trying to fill his or anybody else’s shoes. He had some great accolades, and he deserves every one of them. But I am coming to Clemson to win football games, and in doing that I think I can break C.J.’s records. If I don’t break them, I will be extremely disappointed. In fact, I am guaranteeing that I will break them.”

Bellamy said he trusts the Clemson coaches to help him get the ball.

“That is one of my goals, to just let the coaches get me the ball as much as possible,” he said. “I know that I still have to share time with Andre Ellington, who is another great running back, but I am just happy to be a part of those guys.

“And I’m happy to be a part of a great 2011 recruiting class that includes [wide receiver] Sammy Watkins. I am sure they will find a way to share the ball with all of us. I have talked to Andre, and he is excited about what I can accomplish and he is 100 percent behind me. I am just ready to get there and do my job.”

He said he has spoken with new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, and is excited about playing in the offense.

“He asked me if I was ready to rush for a lot of yards, and I told him yes,” Bellamy said. “I feel I can read blocks, and hit the hole quick. I am going to come in and work hard. I don’t think there is really any one player that can tackle me 1-on-1. If someone tries to tackle me 1-on-1, it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.”