McElrathbey looks to make some noise at RB in 2007

By Bob Wilson  |   Thursday, June 14, 2007  |  Comments( 4 )

Clemson Tigers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

Ray Ray McElrathbey hopes to make more noise on the field for Clemson than off it in 2007. He has moved from defensive back to halfback and will be the backup to the two-headed monster of James Davis and C.J. Spiller.

Last year, the Atlanta, Ga., native played primarily on special teams, although he saw limited action in the secondary. He became national news off the field, though, as a local newspaper broke the story that McElrathbey was raising his 11-year-old brother as well as being a full-time student athlete. As most recall, Clemson set up a fund to help him out, and the ACC tried to stop the school. Fortunately, common sense ultimately prevailed and John Swofford and the ACC backpedaled its way into supporting the fund.

This year, McElrathbey wants to be known for his play between the lines. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder was an established running back in high school and performed against quality opponents in Atlanta, so it should be an easy transition for him. He also got experience last year by playing tailback for the scout team at times.

He has had a productive spring, and the coaching staff is relieved to have a quality backup behind Davis and Spiller. Demerick Chancellor, who ran for 276 yards on 45 attempts in 2006, would have been the third-stringer, but he opted to transfer elsewhere to get more touches.

Some Tiger fans feared that Chancellor's departure would leave the team in a lurch if Davis or Spiller were to get dinged up. Now, however, those fears have dissipated, and while no one expects McElrathbey to become the main ball carrier while Davis and Spiller are on campus, you can bet he will be a crowd favorite.

Original Clemson Tigers coverage, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (4)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report