Columnist Debate: Running Back Controversy for South Carolina Gamecocks?
September 15, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) hurdles over UAB Blazers cornerback Vashon Landers (10) and Gamecocks wide receiver Nick Jones (10) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-US PRESSWIRE
Bryan: I’m going to start this post off with some high knowledge for you guys. The South Carolina Gamecocks have an All-American running back, a good senior running back and a freshman who’s turned heads in limited playing time this season.
There’s no debate who the starting running back is, but behind Marcus Lattimore, there should be serious consideration given to shaking up the depth chart.
Mike Davis has rushed eight times for 104 yards and a touchdown this year.
Kenny Miles has 15 carries for 43 yards and a fumble.
I’m a huge Miles fan, but it’s time for him to take a seat behind Davis the rest of the season.
The kid has a rare-Lattimorian combination of size, skill and speed, and South Carolina needs to become a team like Alabama the last few years, or Arkansas a few years ago, that can run two future NFL backs at the opposition every game.
Steve Spurrier hasn’t so much as hinted at making a move like this, but if Davis has a better game than Miles against Kentucky, it should become clear who give the Head Ball Coach a better chance at beating Georgia on 10/6 backing up Lattimore.
Kyle: Bryan, Bryan, Bryan. It’s time to settle down. I assure you, no one is more excited about the future of Gamecock football with Mike Davis in the back field than I am. That said, cool your jets.
Sure Davis has enjoyed eight carries and just over 100 yards (1 TD) this year. But, let’s not go crowning him the second coming just yet. It’s just a shade too early to proclaim him a “future NFL back”.
He doesn’t look bad in comparison to Miles’ 15 carries and 43 yards. But, you’re forgetting that Miles has also nearly matched those rushing statistics in reception yardage this season. I like to pound it between the tackles, but it’s important to have a receiving threat out of the backfield. Davis may be capable, but he hasn’t proven anything in that category yet.
Mike Davis is a true freshmen with a ton of potential. He can take over the #2RB spot when Kenny Miles walks away from Columbia in a cap and gown after this year. Let’s not discount the contributions Miles has given us over the last four years. He has been a rock-solid backup.
Need I remind you that without him, we don’t reach 11 wins in 2011. We wouldn’t have beaten Clemson, we wouldn’t have beaten Nebraska.
After last season, Kenny Miles seriously contemplated a transfer. He returned to Carolina so he could finish what he started. As long as Spurrier sees fit, he should have the opportunity to do just that. He has paid his dues and proven himself to be a winner for the garnet and black.
In the near future, Davis will have the opportunity to prove the same. Until then, he is in the right place…the backseat, learning from the best RB in the country.