Clemson football running back Darien Rencher is a hard-nosed runner and has the opportunity to make an impact on the depth chart in 2019.
With the departure of Tavien Feaster due to transfer, Clemson football’s top two running backs are set on the depth chart.
Travis Etienne will return as the starter at the position and sophomore Lyn-J Dixon will take over as the second-string running back.
Behind those two, there will be a competition.
The Tigers will take a look at redshirt junior Darien Rencher, as well as true-freshmen Michel Dukes and Chez Mellusi. Because of the system in which the Tigers play, we can pretty much guarantee that three running backs will see significant playing time.
You’re not going to see 40 carries split evenly between Etienne and Dixon. That’s just not how the Tigers operate. Instead, you’ll see a third guy get some of those reps and at least somewhere between 3-7 carries a game. Though those carries don’t seem like much, they will certainly help shape the Tiger offense as the season progresses.
Many Clemson football fans have already turned their heads to see which true-freshman will win the third-string spot, but could it be veteran Darien Rencher that holds serve and proves his worth to the Tigers?
Though Rencher’s sample size is small, he does have 24 total attempts for 103 yards (4.3 YPC) in his career. Basically all of those stats are behind a third-string offensive line, but there is certainly reason to believe that he could break off some decent runs if given the opportunity.
Rencher isn’t the strongest or fastest guy on the field, but he does run with a hard-nose and keeps his feet moving. He knows the playbook and is likely in better position to be a pass-protector this season compared to the other two freshmen.
He’ll surely have a competition this fall for that third-string job, but the coaching staff will give the veteran his opportunity to earn playing time and make an impact for the Tigers in 2019. He may or may not be able to get the job done, but Rencher is certainly an intriguing player to keep your eye on as fall camp begins in less than a month.