Recruiting: Clemson RB Outlook and Prospects

Clemson loses Chad Jasmin and will miss the power runner and his success in short-yardage situation.

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Tue Dec 09 01:25:43 GMT-04:00 2003

Mickey Plyler is the host of the “Overdrive” on WCCP-FM 104.9 FM (wccpfm.com) from 3 - 5PM.

The Tigers have to be very selective when it comes to running backs in recruiting the Class of 2004. Duane Coleman developed into a dual threat as a runner and pass receiver in his first season at Clemson. Coleman returns for his junior season in 2004 and enters spring as the solid number-one at tailback.

Clemson loses Chad Jasmin and will miss the power runner and his success in short-yardage situation. Jasmin's role and his carries could go to Yusef Kelly in 2004. If Kelly reports in good condition he could be the number-two back in the Tigers' pre-spring depth chart.

Kyle Browning had a very good year when he received playing time. Look for Browning to get more time next season. He is a very dependable blocker and continues to become a complete back. We think Browning still has a role in this offense.

Reggie Merriweather got caught in a numbers game in 2003, but the Clemson coaches still believe in him. Remember…he will be just a sophomore next season. Merriweather will get another strong look in the spring.

Brandon Nolan red-shirted and continues to get bigger and stronger in the weight room. Nolan was impressive during his time on the scout team in 2003.

At fullback, two returnees will be juniors for the 2004 campaign. Steven Jackson and Cliff Harrell both received snaps in the I-formation and in short-yardage situation. Both will fight for the starting role for next season.

Running back is not a huge priority for this recruiting class, but the Tigers could sign a running back and a couple of prospects that could play other positions.

 Clemson RB Depth Chart
 3 Duane Coleman        RB 5-10/190  SO SQ  Naples, FL 
 5 Yusef Kelly          RB 6-0/230  *JR 2VL Walterboro, SC 
 28 Kyle Browning       RB 5-7/180  *SO SQ  Union, SC 
 37 Reggie Merriweather RB 5-8/200  *FR RS  North Augusta, SC 
 16 Brandon Nolen       RB 5-11/185  FR HS  Old Bridge, NJ
 
 35 Steven Jackson      FB 6-2/245   SO TR  Columbia, SC 
 36 Cliff Harrell       FB 6-1/255  *SO 1VL Tallahassee, FL

The Prospects

Albert Ashcraft (6-3, 190) of Monroe, NC, Shonn Greene (5-11, 190) of Atco, NJ, Andre Copeland (5-7, 190) of Lake City, FL and Raphael Little (5-11,185) of Anderson, SC are a few of the backs that may visit Clemson in January.

Ashcraft is one of the top backs in North Carolina. He will visit Clemson (1-9), South Carolina (1-16) and Tennessee (1-23).

Greene is also looking at Clemson and Tennessee. He will visit Clemson (1-9) and Tennessee (1-16). Greene is also looking at Wisconsin and Iowa for official visits.

Copeland plays on one of the top teams in Florida. He reminds some scouts of Darren Sproles of Kansas State. Copeland will visit Clemson (1-9)and Syracuse (1-16). His other visits could come from North Carolina, Purdue, and Nebraska.

Little committed to Kentucky earlier this season, but has recently said that his family wants him to stay closer to home. Clemson and South Carolina have been in contact.

Clemson RB Outlook and Prospects