One thing the University of South Carolina does not have to worry about is having capable running backs in 2010. Now how they perform given the offensive line and if Coach Spurrier commits to the running game is a different story.
Let’s take a moment and introduce you to USC’s “Running Back Stable” –
Brian Maddox
The old man of the bunch, was second on the team last season with 307 yards rushing and lead the team with eight touchdowns (6 rushing). This senior is the “bruiser” back and seen a lot in short yards situations or when a extra blocker is needed as he is the best blocking RB out of the group.
Kenny Miles
Was the rushing leader last season for USC with 626 yards rushing on 117 carries and averaged 50.2 yards a game. This sophomore is just 5 foot 9 inches but possesses good speed and agility. Listed as the starter on the depth chart coming out of Spring as he knows how to run in-between the tackles and does not dance too much in the backfield.
Jarvis Giles
Last season as a true freshman, he had 277 yards rushing with his best game against FAU with 113 yards a game. Late into the season, he was not used much as he fell out of favor with coaches. Has tons of upside once he learns the offense more as he has “game-changing” speed and knows how to create in open space just needs patience.
Bryce Sherman
Just 5 foot 4 inches but if given the ball can blow by anyone as he has the “home run” speed coaches love. A former track star, turned kickoff returner that gets an occasional look at running back.
Eric Baker
Came into the USC program with high hopes yet injuries have plagued his career. Most likely will not be seen in 2010 due to a torn ligament in his left knee sustained in practice prior to the PapaJohn’s Bowl.
Marcus Lattimore
An incoming freshman for Carolina that everyone has pegged as the answer to the woeful SC run game. Knows the inside-zone read scheme and possesses all the tools of a great running back; needs to learn the speed of college football and add some strength to be durable against SEC defenses. Will be in the mix for playing time and by some reports could be an elite SEC back by end of the season. Had 6000+ yards rushing in high school and was a top rated back by several recruiting services.
Well now you know the “horses” in the USC stable. Look for Miles, Giles and Lattimore to get most of the carries in 2010. Maddox will be used to block and on short gains. It could be the Miles and Lattimore show by the end of 2010 but all of this depends on the play of the offensive line and Spurrier making ‘run plays’ a bigger portion of his playbook.
USC will have its’ best and deepest running back depth that it has ever had in its’ history so no excuses in 2010 and this is just one reason a lot is expected from Carolina in the SEC East.
***The above article was written for SouthernPigSkin.com back in June. Make sure to check out that site.***
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