By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON – Clemson running back Roderick McDowell has shown his playmaking ability as a running back in the recent weeks, Saturday he was able to show his playmaking ability as a receiver.

McDowell had his top all-purpose game of the year in helping No. 15 Clemson beat Georgia Tech 47-31 in Death Valley, rushing for 56 yards on 9 carries as well as catching one pass for 23 yards. McDowell touched the ball 10 times for the Tigers, averaging 7.9 yards per play and rushing for two touchdowns.

Following the game, McDowell gave credit to his offensive line for allowing him to run the ball so effectively.

“The offensive line did a wonderful job tonight,” he said.

McDowell went on to compliment the coaches on the game plan too, allowing him to touch the ball in a variety of ways.

“I was hungry, they gave it to me, they kept feeding me,” he said.

As a player who has spent the majority of his career as a backup, the newfound success in 2012 is a welcome site for McDowell. Through the first six games, McDowell has scored five touchdowns, including two Saturday, his first multi-touchdown game of his career.

The junior has also scored a touchdown in back-to-back weeks for the Tigers and he cannot be any happier to be contributing.

“I love it, anything I can do to help the team,” McDowell said.

McDowell is also excited to be able to show his versatility as a runner, being able to run between the tackles as a small running back. To him, running between the tackles is a duty for a running back, no matter their size.

“I am a running back that is my job, to run the ball no matter where it is, and execute and make plays,” he said.

While he is still playing in a reserve role, McDowell is making the most of his chances. The Sumter, S.C. native is thriving in his current role and understands that his moment to be the number one back could happen at any time, and if it doesn’t he is completely fine with being the backup.

“You never know when your number will be called,” he said. “You have to go out there and execute the play.”

And be ready to execute them in multiple ways.