Clemson’s forgotten man

By Bob Wilson  |   Wednesday, November 15, 2006  |  Comments( 5 )

Clemson Tigers
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Reggie Merriweather has become a forgotten man for the Clemson Tigers. The senior has always been popular with the fans in part because of his short stature and because of the all-out effort he puts into every run. Unfortunately, a nagging leg injury and the development of C.J. Spiller have limited the former starter to just 149 yards and two scores this year.

Two short years ago, the sparkplug of a runner led the team in rushing. Although he only ran for 695 yards, the then-sophomore tallied 531 of those yards and 10 of his 11 touchdowns in the last six games of the season.

After an impressive second half of the 2004 season, many Tiger fans thought the North Augusta native would become a 1,000-yard rusher in 2005. However, freshman James Davis eventually won the starting running back position. Merriweather did gain 736 yards and dashed for seven touchdowns as a backup and change-of-pace runner last year. When Davis broke his wrist, the 5-foot-8, 210-pound back stepped in admirably, but Davis got the majority of carries once he was healthy again.

This season, Merriweather started out as the second-string back, but most observers thought Spiller would eventually take the majority of the senior's playing time. The freshman phenom was already moving into the backup role when a high ankle injury knocked Merriweather out of the running back rotation.

The amazing thing is that he has never publicly complained. In fact, he was praised for helping out the younger backs this summer and has been a trooper throughout. Many players would have bleated and considered transferring after losing their job to a younger player. Not only did Merriweather lose his job to Davis, but Spiller, one of the top incoming freshmen in the country, entered the backfield this year with no plans to redshirt.

Apparently, it's not in Merriweather's makeup to complain or give up, though. The saddest part of his story is that he showed up to camp this season in the best shape of his career. He knew he would have to fight for and earn every carry and he was ready to give it all he had. Unfortunately, his ankle injury took him out of the fight prematurely.

Hopefully, this senior can get healthy in time to play against South Carolina and the Bowl opponent. He had probably the best game of his career against South Carolina in 2004, with 125 yards and three touchdowns. Fittingly, though, most people only remember that game for the ugly brawl that marred Merriweather's breakout performance.

Although he has only one carry for three yards in the last seven games, Clemson fans would love to have the chance to cheer "Reggie! Reggie!" once again as the senior runs down the hill for the final time. He's done things the right way all along and deserves one more shot at glory.
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