CMU offense looks for consistency from running backs
Jerry HoffmanWith this said running behind a veteran line there is no where to go but up for the CMU backs this fall.
“We need to throw the ball more effectively and more importantly we need the offensive line playing better,” Head Coach Mike DeBord said.
Robbie Mixon will most likely be the starter for Tailback U. when the Chippewas take the field against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Thursday night.
If last year means anything, chances are Mixon won’t be the last back featured by Central. Last year the Chippewas used five different tailbacks with none gaining 500 yards on the season.
“At tailback you can’t count on personnel. Last year injuries killed us and we were forced to play five tailbacks. We have to play the way we can and stay healthy,” DeBord said.
Last years leader, Vince Webber, is no longer on the team due to personal reasons.
“We never had Vince penciled into our line up for this year. Sometime things come up in a players life where football seems a little less important. I don’t’ know exactly why Vince left,” DeBord said.
So backing up Mixon will be two true sophomores, Terrence Jackson and Kenan Lawhorne.
Lawhorne saw action last season where he rushed 24 times for 86 yards and caught five passes for 106 yards including a 83-yard TD against Kent State in last year’s homecoming game.
Jackson, who will also see time at fullback, ran the ball 10 times last year for 28 yards.
Much like Lawhorne, most of Jackson’s offensive production came on a long screen pass. Jackson caught his against Wyoming for a 73 yard touchdown en route to a season total of five snags for 103 yards.
Jackson’s game differs from Lawhorne’s in that he is more of a power back while Lawhorne features his speed over power.
Also featuring in the half back picture is Allan Parks. Parks is a red shirt junior from Saginaw. Last year Parks was plagued by injuries as he has been for much of his collegiate career.
At fullback the Chippewas will look first to Jackson but then to Kyle Tafelski.
Tafelski is from Clearwater Fla. and has seen practice time at both linebacker and fullback. He played in the first three games last season at fullback, but missed spring drills with shoulder surgery.
