Clemson Football: Tavien Feaster will be the starting Running Back
Clemson football’s fall camp will begin in just two days. One of the most intriguing and forgotten questions is who will replace Wayne Gallman at running back.
Clemson football fans all around the country are ready for the 2017 season to begin with one question in mind: Who will replace Deshaun Watson at quarterback?
While that is certainly the most prominent question entering the season, Clemson football also has several other uncertainties, one of which comes from the same backfield that Watson used to occupy.
The Tigers will be tasked with replacing a 3,000+ yard career rusher and consistent pass-blocker in Wayne Gallman.
Gallman tallied 3,416 yards rushing at the tune of 5.1 yards per carry while scoring 36 total touchdowns.
Candidates to replace him are plentiful, but none have shown the consistency that he provided the Tigers with over the past two and a half seasons. With that being said, I believe before the season is over that sophomore Tavien Feaster will claim the spot in the backfield.
Feaster currently sits third on Clemson’s summer depth chart behind redshirt juniors C.J. Fuller and Adam Choice.
Both Fuller and Choice, in my opinion, will get the chance to prove themselves to be the starting running back as both of them have been around the program for four solid years.
But there’s just something about No. 28.
When I watch him, I just see something special. He is a solid 210 lbs, but has the speed and explosiveness of a track athlete. It’s clear he’s the fastest of the running back group when you watch them.
Honestly, it’s clear he’s the most explosive option out of the running backs. Last season, in limited action, Feaster ran the ball 37 times for 221 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and had two touchdowns. That yards per carry statistic is much better than both Fuller’s (4.5) and Choice’s (3.5).
The question about Feaster isn’t his running or catching ability. It’s not his ability to score a touchdown on any given play.
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The question is: Can he pick up in pass protection?
I believe the answer to that question is yes.
He showed promise in the spring game and has had another year in the system and the weight room. Last season, the coaches did not trust him to pick up Deshaun Watson’s blindside and they felt they had a viable option in Wayne Gallman, but this season the coaching staff will not hesitate to put him out there.
Even if the answer turns out to be no, I just don’t see how you can keep him off the field. With the explosiveness, speed, athleticism, and power Feaster presents, you have to put him out there in some capacity.
And, before the end of the season. I believe your starting half back will be the talented sophomore Tavien Feaster.
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What do you think, Clemson football fans? Comment below with what you believe will happen at the Tigers’ running back position.