Clemson Football 2018 Early Position Outlook: Running Back
Today we will continue our analysis of Clemson football’s roster in 2018. Let’s take a look at the running back position.
Clemson football won’t play another real opponent until next September, but, that doesn’t mean we can’t take a look at their roster heading into next season.
The Tigers finished the 2017 season 12-2, thanks in large part to their strong rushing attack. Clemson’s offense ranked 35th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.
With a core of young tailbacks returning, the Tigers’ ground game only figures to improve in 2018.
Pre-Spring Projected Depth Chart:
Starter: Tavien Feaster (Jr)
- Travis Etienne (So)
- Adam Choice (RSr)
- CJ Fuller (RSr)
- Lyn-J Dixon (Fr)
Running backs coach: Tony Elliott
2018 Position Outlook:
Clemson returns its top two rushers from a season ago in Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne Jr. The two of them, along with Adam Choice were apart of the Tigers explosive rotation of running backs.
Feaster and Etienne did not start the season atop the depth chart, due mainly to their inexperience. That being said, their dynamic play-making ability was to special to keep on the sidelines for long.
The two of them combined for, 214 carries, 1,435 yards and 20 touchdowns a season ago. While Feaster may enter the spring sitting atop the depth chart, it will be hard for him to stay there.
In the little playing time that he earned in 2017, Etienne proved himself to be one of the most explosive players in the country. With his physicality and elite speed, it’ll be hard for Feaster to hold on to his starting spot.
At the end of the day, both Feaster and Etienne are simply too good to sit on the bench. Both of them will play in every game, it’s simply a matter of who will start out the game.
Look for Adam Choice to get a few carries here and there next season. That is of course if he doesn’t transfer this offseason.
Next: 2018 Early Position Outlook: Quarterback
If Choice decides to stay at Clemson, that doesn’t bode well for CJ Fuller. There’s simply not enough carries to go around. For that reason, I also expect Lyn-J Dixon to redshirt in 2018, barring an Etienne like fall camp.