While Grambling State football coach Doug Williams is waiting for a starter to take control at quarterback, he said following Thursday's practice that he realizes the Tigers will have to use a running back by committee approach this season.
"We have talent, but we just don't have that one who can go in there, take over and run out the clock," Williams said. "So we'll be using multiple backs. The good thing is we have a pretty good mix of talent. The bad thing is we don't have that takeover back or much returning experience."
In fact, GSU's only back with game experience is 5-7, 165-pound senior
Kenneth Batiste, who averaged 4.8 yards per rush with 74 yards on only 16 carries last season.
"He's our Reggie Bush and we'll use him in that scatback kind of role and do some different things with him," Williams said.
"They've both been working hard and it's a close battle," Williams said. "We'll end up playing them both anyway, but I believe by next week we'll determine who the starter is."
The G-Men have some decent size at fullback, with 5-9, 255 freshman Jamalfadell Jackson, 5-9, 240-pound freshman Jamie Knott and 6-1, 250-pound sophomore
Edward Martinez.
"We have some plugs out there," Williams said. "They all look like short defensive tackles."
Williams wasn't making any excuses about Thursday's practice after the team was forced to an inside walk-through on Wednesday due to thunderstorms.
"We were a little sluggish out there, but we can't make any kind of excuse," Williams said. "We have to come out and do a better job out here Friday. It's time. We're eight days and a wake-up away."
GSU opens the 2011 season on Sept. 3 as it faces Alcorn State in a 6 p.m. contest at the Port City Classic at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.
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