By Heath Bradley.

Andre Ellington, a fifth-year senior is like a second running backs coach for the Tigers, helping his fellow teammates both on and off the field.

When asked about how Ellington sets himself apart from other players, running backs coach Tony Elliott said. “The way he prepares and approaches the game, he is attentive, he asks and answers questions in meetings. He is prepared everyday, in the meeting room, and on the practice field.” While Ellington is the elder statesman in the meeting room, his teammates are young, and while talented, they have not been through the trials and experiences that Ellington has in his five years in Clemson. “His attentiveness in the meeting room is something his teammates can see and learn from, he not only asks questions, but he can answer questions for them when they ask him. Most of all they respect him. They see that he put in his time and worked to be in the position he is in.”

While Ellington is now considered one of, if not the best running backs in the ACC, he has had to work his way through the Clemson depth chart to become the guy. Ellington was a highly touted high school recruit. When he arrived on campus he redshirted, then he played behind CJ Spiller, and finally, when given the chance to become the every down back, has made the most of his opportunities, working hard to become the player he is today.

While Ellington may be a leader to teammates on and off the field, Elliott says that he does it in a way that many may not expect from a tough, physical football player. “He has his way of putting his arm around those guys, he is not going to embarrass those guys. When they need put in their place, he will put them in their place though.” The biggest thing Elliot can see is how much Ellington has to offer to his teammates while on the field during games. “While the game is going on, I am helping with special teams, or Coach Morris on the next drive plan. I can look at him and tell him, this is the blitz we saw, draw it up and show the young guys. He is like an assistant coach on the field, even when he is not available to play he helps his teammates. He has the football savvy to help his teammates, whether it be his position or anyone on the field.”

Elliott continually raved about the work that Ellington has put in this of-season to become a better all around back. One of the key points the staff felt Ellington should work on this off-season was hit ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, and from all accounts it seems Ellington has done so. Ellington has put in extra time with quarterback Tajh Boyd to improve his hands. One can also only believe that the extra time will only strengthen the trust the two have in each other in clutch situations in 2011. His ability to stay healthy will be the key in 2012, with Elliot reminding reporters today, “that when he is healthy, he is something special.”

Elliott will definitely look to use Ellington as not only the feature back for the Tigers but also as a tool in helping the young stable of backups prepare for the season. Daniel Howard, who is entering his redshirt sophomore season, is the returning running back with the most experience. Entering fall camp, the Tigers will only have four running backs on scholarship, one being true freshman Zach Brooks. Brooks, the #1 ranked player in the state of Arkansas in the class of 2012, will be expected to be ready to play in the fall. Elliott told media today that Brooks would be “prepared to play.”

Due to the Tigers depth at running back with the loss of Mike Bellamy, Brooks will most likely have to play. Elliott said he sees Brooks as the power back of the future. “ I can see him continuing to grow, he can become a 210 pound back with size and power.” This combination of size, power, and speed will be a welcome addition to the running back corps for the Tigers. Rod McDowell, the other returning back, has played sparingly in his time at Clemson, but will be relied on to make an impact as a reserve for the Tigers in 2012.

Expect to see Andre Ellington not only working hard to be the best player he can be in 2012, but also helping his teammates become the best they can be as well. His ability to be a top running back will of course benefit the Tigers in 2012, but most importantly, the knowledge and work ethic he can instill in his teammates will help the Tigers for years to come.