With fall training camp in full swing, GoMocs.com is breaking down each area of the 2010 Chattanooga Mocs football team. So far we have examined the offensive line and the quarterbacks. Today we take a look at the backfield and see how the running game is shaping up.
Yesterday's outlook on the quarterback position showed that there is no question who is going to be calling the signals in 2010. The backfield is a different story. No other position has more possibilities - with no clear answers - as to who might see action during the upcoming season.
The Mocs have plenty of options at running back, returning four experienced ball carriers. Seniors Erroll Wynn (5-11, 215) and Bryan Fitzgerald (5-10, 220) and sophomores Chris Awuah (5-9, 200) and J.J. Jackson (5-9, 195) will all battle for playing time, along with true freshman Keon Williams (6-0, 215).
However, each option comes with some concerns. Wynn sat out last season and hasn't played a game since 2008. Fitzgerald has been solid when healthy, but has only played in four games in the last two years. Awuah showed flashes of great potential and has added some weight, but was undersized as a true freshman in 2009. Jackson also had some bright spots in 2009, but only in limited action. Williams brings a great prep resume, but like all incoming freshman, his adjustment to the collegiate level could take some time.
"We have a bunch of tailbacks and a bunch of fullbacks," stated Head Coach Russ Huesman. "They just have to practice every day and let's see how it works out, but there are a bunch of them there. We just have to stay healthy and it is hard to keep that position healthy."
Fitzgerald was leading the SoCon with 109.3 yards/game last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury at Samford. His injury required surgery and he was granted a sixth-year of eligibility by the NCAA during the offseason. He is working his way back, and if he is 100%, he could be one of the best backs in the league.
Awuah took over the starting role as a true freshman after Fitz's injury. He finished with 459 yards and four touchdowns, earning a spot on the Southern Conference All-Freshman team. However, he only rushed for more than 30 yards once in the last four games of the year. He is now up to 200 pounds and is looking strong in camp.
"He is competing," commented Huesman. "I think Chris has picked up some weight and is competing to be the 25-30 carry per game back. That's the way he should be thinking."
Wynn is the most experienced of the group, totaling over 1,800 yards in 32 games during his career. He battled injuries all through the 2008 season and did not play in 2009. He had started 24 consecutive games, dating back to his freshman year, before redshirting. If he can get back to the form he showed as a freshman and sophomore when he averaged 4.4 yards per carry, he could be a solid back in the SoCon.
"I am feeling good," said Wynn. "It was hard (sitting out last year). Right now, everyone is seeing the Mocs as a new team and I have been waiting to play with these guys. I am really psyched about this season coming up."
Huesman added that, "He looks good and ran hard today," following Wednesday's practice. "When he puts his pads down, the ball in the correct arm and doesn't fumble the football, he's got a chance. He can run hard and is a powerful guy."
Jackson was a solid runner in limited action as a freshman last year. He played in 10 games and averaged 4.2 yards per carry. Most of his time came on special teams, but he did total 32 yards on five carries late in the game at Elon.
"Jackson is doing well," said Wynn of his younger teammate. "Every year he has come along. I have watched him since he got here. He has come a long way and continues to grow."
Williams could be the X-Factor of the group. He has looked strong on numerous occasions during fall camp, but still has the short-comings of a true freshman. He is learning the playbook and adjusting to the pace of college football. With the first class still over a week away, he will have an even bigger adjustment to make when school starts. However, if he continues to practice as hard as he has up to this point, he could work his way into the rotation.
"Keon is doing really well," stated Huesman. "He is running hard. He is going to be a really good back. How quickly he becomes a good back, I don't know. He shows flashes of being really good."
The fullback position is one of the few areas on the team hit by graduation. Shaun Kermah finished his career last year as the starting fullback and his replacement will come from one of three candidates. Senior Courtland Ellzey (6-0, 230) is No. 1 on the depth chart, but will be pushed throughout the fall by juniors Ryan Geist (6-3, 230) and Thomas Green (6-0, 220).
All three of these student-athletes saw action in nearly every game on special teams, but none are experienced at fullback. Green converted from linebacker during the offseason. Freshman Matt Pendleton (5-10, 205) is also working the fullbacks but is expected to redshirt.
"Ellzey came out of the spring as the starter and we were real pleased with him," added Huesman over the summer. "He is a guy who fought to get to a position to play and he is going to play.
"Right now its camp," added Ellzey following Wednesdays practice. "It is my position now, but it could be anybody's position tomorrow. I am still just trying to make sure it is mine and still work for that. Being a senior I am just trying to lead the other guys. Hopefully, I can do my best and be in the starting position when the season starts."
"It is a good group," concluded Huesman on the fullbacks. "It is a solid group. I think they are all smart. They are not afraid of contact. I think all three of those guys should be able to help this football team in some capacity."
Old Man Ellzey - Senior Courtland Ellzey is in his fifth year with the Mocs. He is 23 years old and the elder statesman on the team. Born May 13, 1987, he is two days older than fellow backfielder Bryan Fitzgerald.
Wynn in the Record Books - Senior Erroll Wynn has 460 career carries, ranking No. 8 on the Mocs' all-time list. He is 152 carries shy of the school record set by James Roberts (1990-93). He has twice carried 195+ times in a season. He also has 1,804 career rushing yards and needs 85 to break into the Mocs' top-10. He has a chance to move into the top-5 if he can earn the carries in 2010.
Wynn & Fitz 100 Yards - Bryan Fitzgerald and Erroll Wynn were quite the pair in 2007, the last time both were healthy in the same season. Against Appalachian State, Fitz gained 134 yards while Wynn rushed for 115 yards. It was the last time the Mocs had two players rush for over 100 yards in the same game.
Friday Scrimmage - The Mocs will hold their first scrimmage of fall camp on Friday, Aug. 13. Practice is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on the turf at Finley Stadium. The scrimmage is open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.
