Freshman Spiller becoming Clemson’s MVP

By Stephen Jerdan  |   Tuesday, November 14, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Clemson Tigers
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In what was expected by few, running back sensation C.J. Spiller has quickly become the star of the Clemson Tigers and has fans everywhere thinking National Freshman of the Year.

The Tigers, who began the season 7-1 and were ranked as high as ninth in the country, have quickly fallen to 8-3 following back-to-back losses to Virginia Tech and Maryland prior to their victory over NC State last weekend. The offense, which, at one point, averaged over 40 points per game, has only managed three touchdowns in its last three games, and the running game has abruptly deteriorated following a shoulder injury to last year's ACC Rookie of the Year and Clemson's star running back, James Davis.

Although Davis, despite his injury, has seen the majority of the carries, Spiller has been receiving his fair share of playing time as well, and has been, put modestly, exceptional.

The true freshman had a career day last week in the Tigers' annual Textile Bowl showdown with the NC State Wolfpack. Spiller rushed for a career-high 154 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown run, on 18 attempts. On his way to his career high in yards gained, however, the Tigers' youngest back also broke several records.

Spiller set the school record for all-purpose yards in a season by a freshman with 1,171, a milestone previously set by Davis last season. The star also broke the season touchdown record for a freshman when he found the end zone for his 10th score of the year. The old record of nine was also set by Davis last season.

Spiller also tied a record when he joined Davis and Ronald Williams as the only freshmen to have four 100-yard rushing games in a season.

The freshman is averaging 69 yards per game on the season, but over the course of the Tigers' last seven games, he is averaging nearly 94. Spiller also has five plays of 50 yards or more in his budding career, all of which have resulted in touchdowns for the Tigers.

Although the Tigers' chances for an ACC title have been erased, the future is looking bright for a program full of young talent, led by Spiller. The young back has earned the respect of the fans and the team, and even has his own catch phrase - It's Spiller time! - on touchdown runs in the Tigers' home stadium of Death Valley.

The freshman has accounted for 759 yards and eight scores on 114 carries - an average of 6.7 yards per carry - and 193 receiving yards and two additional receiving touchdowns, and is quickly and thoroughly making a case for National Freshman of the Year accolades.

With an annual in-state rivalry with South Carolina and an undecided bowl game remaining on the Tigers' schedule, Spiller has plenty of carries left to make an even bigger splash and set many more records for Clemson. If he continues to progress and produce at his present rate, expect Spiller to be named to the freshman All-American team and, perhaps one day, national All-American.

Get plenty of Clemson Tigers info at College.RealFootball365.com
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