Bobcat running backs compete for starting spot
By Britton Dove, Staff Writer
April 30, 2008 | noon
One of the most important decisions will be the running back spot.
Looking to replace Kalvin McRae, the leader in almost all of the Ohio Bobcats’ offensive categories for the last four years, will be current juniors Chris Garrett and L.J. Flintall and freshmen Vince Davidson and Donte Harden.
After a good spring for all of the running backs, Solich is still holding out on declaring a definite starter for the beginning of the season until the fall.
“We’re still going to go into the fall [for a decision], and we’re still going to expect those guys to perform at a high level,” Solich said.
In Ohio’s annual spring football game, Garrett ran for 79 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He also broke a 33-yard run down the left side of the field and scored a one-yard touchdown in a losing effort for the Green team.
On the White team, Flintall ran for only 19 yards, mainly due to quarterback Boo Jackson throwing for most of the game.
The Bobcats have many questions besides who will start the first game of the season, as they also have to decide if the team will use a one running back system like the past or change to a two-back offense.
“I don’t know what the coaches have planned, but I’m going to condition myself and be in the weight room and push myself to be an every down back, just in case if I am called upon to do that. I’ll be ready,” Garrett said. “I think I can be an every down back, but it’s just up to the coaches."
Garrett is transitioning from his position last year of wide receiver to running back (his position in high school). He is learning a new position as well as a new set of plays and is also learning a lot from all of the other running backs in the program.
Garrett describes himself as a running back at heart.
Spring practice saw a mix of a four-man rotation carrying the ball, but as these men compete for a position they have become friends in the process.
“As far as the four-man rotation goes, we're all friends,” Garrett said. “Vince [Davidson] was the first person I met on campus so we've been tight ever since. We both congratulate each other and try to go out there and do our best. However, only one of us can have the job so that speaks for itself."
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