Davis, Spiller give Clemson backfield bright future

By Graham Schmidt  |   Tuesday, February 20, 2007  |  Comments( 6 )

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Sophomore James Davis was the Clemson Tigers' starting running back the entire 2006 season, producing impressive numbers in all 13 games. Davis had a total of 203 rushing attempts for a career-high 1,187 yards. Combined with his six receptions for 115 yards, Davis provided 17 TDs this past season for the Tigers.

Davis was a far more improved, complete running back in his second year, showing the speed and quickness to bounce outside and improvise, while combining his strong hands and power for the ability to run between the tackles. Davis will continue being one of the top backs not only in ACC next year but nationwide, too.

All the excitement around true freshman C.J. Spiller didn't turn out just to be hot water, as he proved in his 2006 debut. While sharing handoffs with starter Davis, Spiller racked up an amazing 960 rushing yards on only 129 rushing attempts. In addition to his impressive rushing stats, he also had 19 receptions for 210 yards, bringing in 12 TDs on the season. It is the latter stat, however, that has many Clemson fans excited about his collegiate future, as Spiller's receiving role may be greatly increased next season because of the big-play promise he displayed throughout the '06 campaign.

Fifth-year senior Reggie Merriweather was a Tiger running back who didn't see much time his final season, but he certainly deserves mention for his past accomplishments and contributions to the team. Merriweather's 30 rushing attempts, 173 yards and two TDs early in the 2006 season were overshadowed by his successors' achievements later in the year. Nonetheless, Merriweather's 52 career games at Clemson will not be soon forgotten by the Tiger faithful. His hard-nosed running style is an old fashioned, blue collar approach that would make running backs of college football's past proud.

Redshirt freshman Demerick Chancellor also gained some important playing experience in '06, racking up a couple 100-yard games against Louisiana Tech and Temple. During those two contests, Chancellor showcased his brilliant speed (in 2006 spring training, he clocked a sub-4.4 40-yard dash) and overall athletic ability with a few large gains through the air, too.

However, with the emergence of Spiller as a spectacular, budding running back and an almost certain co-starter with Davis next season, Chancellor has decided to transfer to a different school. Head coach Tommy Bowden attempted to persuade him to stay, but his efforts ultimately failed.

With most successful programs in college football, the general offensive strategy is simply to get the running game going. Clemson was no exception to that rule, and in losses to Virginia Tech, Boston College and Kentucky, the Tigers' running game was held to under 150 yards. For most teams, 150 yards is not only an acceptable number.
However, the Tigers' offense had virtually no passing game, so the team had to get most of its production from the ground.

Davis and Spiller were the third and fourth running backs, respectively, in the ACC last year, and neither showed any glaring weaknesses throughout the season. The two look to continue their in-conference dominance from the backfield in the 2007 season. With their almost unlimited potential, the pair could make history at Clemson.
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No.1
Will R.		10:35 PM
02/20/2007
"Davis and Spiller were the third and fourth running backs, respectively, in the ACC last year, and neither showed any glaring...
No.2
gary g		09:03 PM
02/21/2007
Davis was hurt after GT game and Spiller had his ankle rolled at end of USC game and was infeffective. Look for huge commitment...
No.3
Jon		09:47 PM
02/22/2007
J. Davis was hurt in the G. Tech game however he really needs to step it up this fall. C.J. Spiller deffinetly has the edge to be...
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