Improving 2015 MAC-worst running game a priority for Central Michigan football
After finishing last in the Mid-American Conference, and 124th nationally in rushing last season, improving the running game has been a priority during Central Michigan football's fall camp.
Last season was the first time the team's leading rusher had less than 400 yards since 1951. It was the fewest yards gained in a season since 2010.
With senior quarterback Cooper Rush leading the passing attack with 3,848 yards gained, the Chippewas were able to get by without a consistent rushing threat.
The Chippewas struggled with running for efficiency last season. They finished with 16 touchdowns and 1,317 yards on 3.1 yards per carry. Toledo led the MAC with 2,495 yards on 5.1 yards per carry.
"When you've got a guy as special as Cooper Rush in the backfield calling the shots, running backs have to be more versatile," said running backs coach Gino Guidugli. "They have to be great in pass protection, in the passing game and obviously we want to be great running the ball."
Injuries in the backfield last season forced CMU to put players in the game without having knowledge of the team's system.
Devon Spalding began the season as the team's primary starter, but a broken clavicle against Northern Illinois during Week Five sidelined him the rest of the season.
In came senior Jahray Hayes, who had only been with the team for a matter of weeks before having to take over significant responsibilities in the backfield as a junior transfer from City College of San Fransisco. He finished the season as the team's second-leading rusher with 336 yards on 95 carries.
Sophomore Romello Ross was expected to have a significant role in the offense after having two breakout performances at the end of last season.
Ross tore his ACL during a non-contact drill during a team practice. He will miss the entire season.
"There were some growing pains that go along with that," Guidugli said. "It was Jahray's and Romello's first year in the program. There was some lack of experience and it took us quite a while to get our wheels under us, but I think we'll be all the better for it this season."
The Chippewas came into fall camp with a roster full with running backs who have already seen meaningful game action.
This year's group of running backs is the deepest Guidugli said he has coached at CMU. Ahead of the season opener, he said he feels comfortable putting five of them into game action.
Spalding has emerged as a leader among the running backs both on the field and in the meeting room.
"I'm just trying to work hard, all of us running backs work hard," Spalding said. "When we're given our opportunities, we've got to take advantage of it."
The Chippewas open the season against Presbyterian Thursday at 7 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
