Central Michigan University Athletics
New Look In The Chippewa Backfield
8/18/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 18, 2000
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University football could make a legitimate claim at being "Tailback U." in the Midwest.
Twenty-seven times since 1955, the Chippewas have had a running back break the 1,000-yard barrier. In fact, only nine times in the past 33 years has CMU failed to have a back top the coveted mark.
If that trend is to continue in 2000, there'll be a new face toting the pigskin.
Sophomore Vince Webber, a 5-9, 205-pounder who missed the final nine games of last season with a broken jaw, has laid claim to the starting job. The Elgin, Ill., product gained 376 yards the last two seasons in limited action.
"Vince picked up this fall where he left off in the spring and has looked sharp," CMU head coach Mike DeBord said. "He's running hard with good cuts and balance."
Sophomores Robbie Mixon (DetroitDenby) and Tyrone Dalton (Pottstown, Pa./Valley Forge Military) will provide quality depth. Mixon rushed for 124 yards in 1999, while Dalton sat out last season for academic reasons.
"I like the players we have back there, it's a good group," DeBord said. "The key will be to remain healthy."
The fullback chores will be handled by a pair of veterans in seniors D.J. McClure (DeWitt) and Joe Fuller (Mount Pleasant). The 5-10, 225-pound McClure was the backup last season while the 6-0, 220-pound Fuller scored five touchdowns in 1997.
"D.J. continues to improve and Joe has made great strides this fall," DeBord said. "The big question at fullback is depth."
CMU opens the 2000 season at Purdue on Sept. 2 before hosting Akron at home on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.
