Talented Threesome to Bolster Cardinal Running Game
July 25, 2003 | Football
July 25, 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For second-year running backs coach Joel Thomas, the focus this past spring was to rejuvenate a running game that averaged just 3.1 yards per carry and just 106.7 per game.
Thomas and the offensive staff is breathing a little easier after spring ball, as the Cards have turned a sore spot to a position of promise.
Despite losing leading rusher Henry Miller to graduation, the Cards have a stockpile of talent at the running back position with the return of senior T.J. Patterson and junior Lionel Gates and the addition of Florida State transfer Eric Shelton.
The Cards' leading rusher in 2001 and second-leading rusher last season, Patterson is a steady veteran with the most game experience of the Cardinal running backs. With 242 carries and more than 1,000 career rushing yards under his belt, Patterson, who has impressed the coaching staff with his hard work during the offseason, will push both Shelton and Gates for reps during the spring.
Gates provides a change of pace at the position and should challenge for a spot in the starting lineup. With all of the tools to be a top-flight running back, Gates earned the starting nod in each of the first two games last season, and also tallied a season-best 65 yards and a touchdown versus UAB.
While Shelton has yet to take an official game rep at U of L, all eyes will focus on his 6-3, 245-pound frame as Cardinal fans have waited patiently to get a glimpse of this franchise-type running back since news of his transfer last year.
One of the state of Kentucky's most highly-touted prospects in recent years, the two-time class 4A Player of the Year was described as untackleable during a prolific prep career in which he amassed 4,970 yards and 59 touchdowns.
A punishing runner, Shelton gave Cardinal fans a brief glimpse of what to expect when he scampered for 121 yards on 15 carries in the spring game.
When the Cards employ a fullback into their offensive sets, senior D.J. Kamer will be inserted into the lineup. A key member of the scout team throughout his collegiate career, Kamer earned a letter last season while appearing in seven games as the Cards' lead blocker in goal line situations.
Coming Monday: A preview of the Tight Ends
