Central Michigan University Athletics
Spring Practice: Previewing the Running Backs
4/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT - CMUChippewas.com continues its look at the 2010 CMU football team today with a preview of the running back position.
Four lettermen - seniors Tyler Reed and Carl Volny, junior Paris Cotton and sophomore Tim Phillips - return to the Chippewas' backfield in 2010. Also in the mix are junior James Falls and redshirt freshmen Malek Redd and Zurlon Tipton.
"Being a running back in this offense will be very good for whoever gets the opportunity to be out there. We utilize them in the passing game a lot, finding different ways to get them the ball. We find ways to move them around to put them in the best situation to win," said running backs coach Kort Shankweiler.
Much of the Chippewas' running game the past four seasons has been routed through quarterback Dan LeFevour; the departed signal-caller was the team's leading rusher each of the past three seasons. Ontario Sneed (764 yards in 2006) was the last running back to lead CMU in rushing yardage for a season.
Volny is the Chippewas' leading returning rusher, having gained 390 yards and scored three touchdowns in 2009. Junior Paris Cotton (220 yards, one touchdown) is the only other returning back who rushed for at least 100 yards last season.
"They've embraced their role and I think they're excited to carry the ball in this offense because they can get it handed off to them and they can catch it. They've really enjoyed the fact that they are now the guys who are featured in the run game," Shankweiler said.
Click on the CMU Sports Zone video below to hear more from Shankweiler.
