Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at each position on the football team to examine where each player stands right now in his group on the depth chart. We will look back on the 2014 season for analysis and attempt to forecast what the 2015 depth chart might look like in a few months, including early thoughts on the mid-year enrollees. Today, we continue with a look at the running back position…
- Wayne Gallman, RS Jr.
As a bona fide workhorse back that broke Clemson’s single-season rushing record, Gallman has absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of being atop this list. His consistency and ability to tote the rock over and over again to control the clock down the stretch of games was particularly valuable to his team. Gallman should be one of the nation’s top tailbacks in 2016 after flirting with the NFL Draft only to return to school.
One way Gallman could improve his overall skill set is to become a better pass-catcher out of the backfield. He caught 21 passes in 2015—the same number as Germone Hopper—but has room to improve his hands. Other than that, Gallman runs about as well as anyone could expect him to run.
A key factor that could enhance Gallman’s per-play effectiveness next season is enhanced depth at his position. Through recruiting and the healing process, there are more capable bodies that can give him a breather, meaning his volume of carries might go down as his efficiency goes up in 2016.
- C.J. Fuller, RS So.
Out of nowhere, Fuller led the Tigers’ backup tailbacks in carries in 2015. He showcased a mean streak in short yardage and between-the-tackles running that made him a candidate for some backup playing time in some of the lesser games on the schedule.
A local product, Fuller has fans within the Clemson faithful that want to see him play well. He emerged during the offseason as an option after previously being relegated to the bottom of the depth chart. He only averaged around four yards per carry, so finding the ability to break off some big runs would help him stay on the field.
Although Gallman played most of the snaps, Fuller and others got some circumstantial time on the field. The ability to pass protect better could turn Fuller into somewhat of a third-down option for the staff to utilize, possibly at the same time as Gallman or another back.
- Tyshon Dye, RS Jr.
Dye played a few more snaps than Fuller did in 2015, but he carried the ball fewer times. As a bigger back, Dye was utilized in pass protection more than the other reserve tailbacks. In fact, Dye’s value in passing downs was solely as a blocker, as he was the only returning running back that did not record a catch this season.
Dye has dealt with some nagging injury concerns, but none of them are threatening to his overall development. If anything, some of his physical limitations have put a cap on his progress, especially with regards to his weight affecting his explosiveness. This isn’t a criticism, just an observation about his dimensions and how they might impact the way he runs.
Becoming more fluid as a runner should benefit Dye. He is largely seen as a between-the-tackles option—much like Fuller—and could certainly use more speed and quickness. As a fourth-year player, 2016 is a pivotal year for Dye, especially with younger tailbacks pushing him for snaps.
- Adam Choice, RS So.
The wild card of this entire group is Choice. Of the four tailbacks on campus, he is seen as the best pure runner—even better than Gallman, an observation made by many onlookers when both were healthy during the first part of the 2014 season. In 2016, after a knee injury cost him his second season in the Clemson program, Choice will likely have something to say about who gets the carries in the Tigers’ offense.
Right now, he sits at the back of the pack because of the injury concerns, but that paradigm could change quickly if Choice is fully healthy for the first time in his collegiate career. The staff found creative ways to get him the football as a freshman, even making the fateful decision to try him as a wildcat quarterback. Conventional wisdom says that may be the temptation again, or if not, there will be
If he can maintain that clean bill of health, Choice could—and should, in my estimation—overtake both Fuller and Dye on the depth chart by the opening game of the 2016 season. Right now, though, that’s a big “if” to consider.
If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
