Clemson has depth to survive backfield bad luck

By Marc Hudgens  |   Wednesday, August 22, 2007  |  Comments( 3 )

Clemson Tigers
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The Clemson running back corps took a major hit on the depth chart recently, as running back Ramon "Ray Ray" McElrathbey tore his ACL during this past Thursday's practice. The sophomore will be out for the entire 2007 season.

McElrathbey stated that the injury occurred as he was making a cut during a non-contact drill, and he initially thought it was a sprain. Unfortunately, though, it proved to be much worse.

The third-string running back (behind junior James Davis and sophomore C.J. Spiller) played in all 13 games last season as a freshman, primarily on special teams, racking up six tackles. During the first 11 games of 2006, McElrathbey played defensive back, then he moved to receiver. In the end, Clemson thought RB was the best place for the speedster (he runs a 4.36 40-yard dash).

The 2007 spring game was McElrathbey's first official scrimmage as a running back, and he scampered for 62 yards on six carries, which topped all ballcarries. From watching the spring game, his running style was much like his mentor, James Davis. McElrathbey read his blocks, showed great vision and made the right cuts at the proper times.

McElrathbey is now the third running back not to return for the 2007 season. Reggie Merriweather's eligibility ran out after last season, and Demerick Chancellor transferred to another school. Clemson got a scare when freshman fullback Chad Diehl left the team because of homesickness but has since returned.

"At this point we don't plan on moving another player to running back," head coach Tommy Bowden said. "(Junior) Paul Macko will be the fourth back. If we get someone else hurt we will have to move someone. The development of (sophomore safety) Sadat Chambers as the third back is very important. We will look at him with a sense of urgency."

The injury to McElrathbey certainly is a blow to the squad, but Clemson is still in pretty good shape. In addition to still having Davis and Spiller, arguably the best backfield tandem in the nation, the position has the aforementioned Diehl and junior Alex Pearson, who played in all 13 games last season.

Despite the hard luck, the Tigers' backfield will be fine.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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