CLEMSON — During his first stint as Clemson’s offensive coordinator, Chad Morris’ offense produced a 1,000-yard running back in each of his first three seasons.

Andre Ellington ran 1,178 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 2011, which included 11 rushing touchdowns. In 2012, he ran for 1,081 yards, had 8 TDs and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. Roderick McDowell ran for 1,025 yards and five scores in 2013, while averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

In 2014, Morris’ last year during his first go around, Wayne Gallman, true freshman at the time, and C.J. Davidson combined for 1,017 yards and 7 TDs. And let’s not forget how well quarterback Tajh Boyd ran the football in those days, especially in short yardage and goal line situations.

What’s my point?

The Tigers are going to run the football, and they are not going to stop.

That’s good news for current running backs Gideon Davidson and Chris Johnson, Jr. Clemson’s new, but old, offense will feature the running game to setup the passing game, a lot different than what the Tigers tried to do under old offensive coordinator Garrett Riley the last three years.

“Gideon to me has stood out as much as anybody,” Morris said back in the spring. “They have all gotten quality reps and they have all grown. Getting guys back healthy has been key at that position.

“We got a room full of running back that had a great spring, but they have to have a great summer, just like everyone else does.”

Morris also feels comfortable with Johnson, a guy he feels is a three-down running back.

“You do not have to have an every down back and that is getting every one of the reps,” he said. “We can roll guys in that we feel really confident with.”

Morris’ offense, and the running game, will be on full display when Clemson travels to Baton Rouge, La., for its season opener against LSU at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 5.