ORANGEBURG,SC--For years and years, South Carolina State was associated with a vaunted running game that Bulldog opponents feared and revered.

However, the team has produced only one 1,000-rusher during the last eight seasons.

Charlotte, N.C. native Jalen "Scoot" Simmons, now with the NFL's New York Giants, closed out his Bulldog career in 2015 with 1,082 rushing yards to become S.C. State's last 1,000-yard rusher and the first since Travelers Rest's Will Ford culminated his career with his third consecutive 1,000-yard-plus season in 2009.
 
At one time, "running back university" was a moniker that could have easily been assigned to S.C. State, as the Bulldogs produced numerous running backs who galloped for over 1,000 yards regularly during decades of lofty years and winning campaigns.

Seven years after S.C. State became a charter member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, power runner Rickey Anderson of Kingsland, Ga. became the first Bulldog to rush for 1,000 (1,195) yards in a season. Speedster Chris Ragland of Indiana, behind a then-school record 261 carries, achieved the feat in 1979 (1,301 yds.), followed by Orangeburg's Anthony Reed in 1982 (1,195 yds.), as the Bulldog offense featured dominating rushing attacks during the late 70s and early 80s.

Michael Hicks of Barnesville, Ga. picked up the gauntlet in the early 90s with three consecutive 1,000-yard plus seasons – 1993 (1,388 yds.), 1994 (1,368 yds.) and 1995 (1,299 yds). Then there was Florida native Kenny Bynum who, in 1996, established a single-season school rushing record (1648 yds.) that still stands.

Derek O'Neal (1,352 yds.), also of the Sunshine State, and Florence native Chad Eaddy (1,077 yds.) produced consecutive 1000-yards-plus seasons in 1999 and 2000, before Charlotte's DeShawn Baker and Will Ford combined for six straight (2004-2009) 1000-yard campaigns.

Ford reached the coveted plateau in 2007 (1,389 yds.), 2008 (1,499 yds.) and 2009 (1,032), following 1000-yard producing seasons by Baker in 2004 (1,002 yds), 2005 (1,302 yds.) and 2006 (1,289 yds).

Such formidable running backs ensured that S.C. State was ranked among the top rushing teams in the MEAC and in all of NCAA I-AA (now FCS) almost annually.

But of late, the rushing attack by the Bulldogs has been less intimidating. Last season – 2017 – S.C. State finished just seventh among 11 MEAC teams in rushing, averaging just 129.9 yards each game. The top rusher was now-departed Trey Samuel of Hartsville who had 89 carries for 485 yards and six scores. The top returning rusher is junior LaBron Morris of Decatur, Ga., who was second on the team in rushing last year with 291 yards and two touchdowns on 52 attempts.

Despite the low rushing totals of a year ago, Bulldogs head coach Buddy Pough and his assistants are optimistic about the S.C. State running game in 2018.
"We are 10-deep at running back and I think it is a good group that should create some excitement," said Pough. "We have not had great performances from our running backs in the last few years, but we have the talent to do something spectacular in our running game this season.

"I would like to see one of our backs emerge as a 1,000-yard threat as it's been a while since we've had one around here. But the backs that are returning have a chance to be special, to be difference-makers. It's a group that can run, catch the ball out of the backfield and block, so we want to get the ball in their hands and hope that they can put pressure on opposing defenses. Expect them to be all over the place, as they make up some of the best athletes on the team."

Joining Morris as veteran returnees are redshirt sophomore Datron James of North Charleston and redshirt sophomore Jarius Jenkins of nearby Neeses. In nine games last season, James had 45 attempts for 139 yards and one touchdown, while Jenkins rushed 30 times for 109 yards in eight appearances.

Also returning are junior Travon Thomas, redshirt sophomore Omar Cummings, redshirt freshman Jacory Benson, along with a Bulldog youth movement in the backfield made up of redshirt freshmen and freshmen who will have a chance to show off their talents, beginning with preseason drills.

Former Bulldog wide receivers coach Steve Bird, who switched to running backs this season, believes the 2018 running back corps will lead to a more productive rushing attack.

"I expect this group of running backs to step up and be very productive," Bird said. "It's a talented group, with outstanding ability and great character. We have a lot of versatility and could, at times, have 2-3 running backs on the field at the same time.

"They have great skill sets that allow them, not only to run the ball effectively, but also show excellent pass-catching ability out of the backfield," Bird added, echoing Pough's sentiments. "We have power backs and speed backs and I also expect them to make an impact on special teams."

The running game should get a boost from the Bulldog fullbacks and tight ends this season, a group expected to player a larger role in the offense than in recent years, according to Pough and first-year assistant Corey Jenkins. 

"I was not here for spring drills and thus did not get a chance to observe the fullbacks and tight ends," said Jenkins, "But I've had an opportunity to watch lots of film and meet with the players.

"I like what I have seen and our goal, as a group, is to be a strong contributor to a great offensive unit."

Senior Austin Ruger is the top returnee at tight end. He had 10 catches in 10 games last season. Backing him up will be redshirt freshman Prince Haynes, who will also handle many of the fullback duties. Redshirt sophomore Trae Chum and redshirt freshman Kijana Johnson will also battle for playing time at tight end. Also expected to contribute at tight end is senior DeAngelo Frazier, who missed the 2017 season but was a factor in 2016.

In addition to Haynes, the duties at fullback will be shared by junior Devontre Hamilton and sophomore Farrika Grier, two backs with good size.

"We are about seven strong and I find this group to be very coachable," Jenkins said. "First and foremost, they have good skills, are eager to learn and want to become good football players. With their versatility and athleticism, I predict they will bolster our running game especially, as well as overall offense.

"We are going to play hard, be physical and help our team win games."

It goes without saying that the return of an effective running S.C. State game will make the Bulldogs more of a threat on offense, perhaps harping back to yesteryear, when opposing defenses braced for the rushing attack coming their way.

The Bulldogs began preseason practice on Friday, having reported back to campus on Thursday.

NOTE:  In the next few days, we will preview the Bulldog offensive and defensive lines.