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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
A Look at the Running Backs
8/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 20, 2009
BOCA RATON, FL - Last year, the Florida Atlantic Owls compiled 1,804 rushing yards throughout the season. Head coach Howard Schnellenberger expects much of the same from his running backs this year.
One back he expects big things from is the returning leading rusher, redshirt senior William Rose. Last year, Rose tallied 308 yards and scored one touchdown.
A lost art in the running back is the ability to block and do the small things outside of running. Blocking, communication and awareness are all large responsibilities for a good tailback.
Another running back expected to make solid contributions is redshirt sophomore Alfred Morris. Schnellenberger speaks highly of Morris' ability to protect the quarterback. "Alfred has great feet, great hands, and likes to unload on linebackers," Schnellenberger said. "It's a very powerful thing when you have a tailback that sits over there and waits for the linebacker."
According to Schnellenberger, Morris' best strength is not in the physical aspect, but the mental aspect of his game.
"He's intelligent in the classroom and has knowledge of the game of football," Schnellenberger said. "He sees the field even when he is making contact to try to get the first down."
With redshirt senior Jeff Blanchard and redshirt junior Willie Floyd out with an injury, the other Owl running backs will have to step up their games to provide for the loss.
Between Morris, Rose, redshirt sophomore Avionne Rolle and redshirt freshman Michael Barasch, the running game should be a solid aspect to the Owls offensive attack.
by Mark Stankiewicz
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