Four of the five scholarship running backs that toted the rock for Clemson in 2014 are back.

A nine-game starter, [autotag]Wayne Gallman[/autotag] led the Tigers with 161 carries for 769 yards and four touchdowns.

C.J. Davidson, who was the only other back to appear in all 13 games, had 248 yards and three scores. Adam Choice rushed for 218 yards and a touchdown before his freshman campaign was cut short by an ACL injury against Boston College. Tyshon Dye picked up 151 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries over the final four games.

D.J. Howard, the lone departure, rushed 50 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Into his space step Zac Brooks and C.J. Fuller. Brooks is back after missing all of last year to a foot injury and Fuller is coming off a redshirt.

“It’s really competitive. Everybody has the same amount of love and respect for each other, but everybody wants to play and that’s just natural, so that’s how it’s been,” Gallman said.

Despite the offseason nod, Gallman understands he’s not guaranteed the first carry in next month’s season opener versus Wofford, even though he currently sits atop of the depth chart.

“We’re really embracing the competition right now. Everybody is fighting for those carries,” he said. “Coach (Tony) Elliott is going to present it to all the backs. You’ve got to take what you can get and prove yourself.”

Gallman worked primarily as a linebacker at Loganville-Grayson (Ga.). On offense, he played wing-back. With two full years at [autotag]Clemson[/autotag] under his belt, the former four-star recruit is as comfortable as he’s ever been.

“High school was way different,” he said. “I played both sides of the ball, had a completely different offense, but I got the ball when I could and I did everything I could with it at the time, but the difference between high school and here, it’s completely different.”

He added, “Got to control your speed. That’s what I learned early. Control your movements, like where you’re going and making the right read.”