Miami Boasting Bevy Of Talent At Receiver, Running back
Sept. 5, 2000
By ADRIAN SAINZ
Associated Press Writer
MIAMI – Clinton Portis led No. 4 Miami with 133 yards rushing intheseason opener.
Thing is, he’s the third-string tailback.
The sophomore’s success magnifies a pleasant problem that hounds MiamicoachButch Davis as each game nears – how to distribute the ball to theHurricanes’talented skill players.
“Clearly there’s guys that we want to have the ball,” Davis said. “Butdefenses can dictate who you go to. Our talent makes defenses honest becausethey can’t just try to shut down one guy.”
Davis has already announced the starting tailback for this Saturday’sgameagainst No. 15 Washington, and it isn’t Portis. James Jackson, Miami’sstarterfor its last two season-openers, will get the nod in the Hurricanes’ firstrealtest of the season after a 61-14 drubbing of I-AA McNeese State on Aug. 31.
“I’m not yanking running backs in and out to have some kind offictitiousrotation,” Davis said. “We plan to always have a fresh guy in there, alwayskeeping them in long enough to allow them to get a feel for the game.”
Portis stepped in for Jackson last season while he nursed ankle andshoulderinjuries. Portis led Miami with 838 rushing yards as a freshman, but he isstill stuck behind Jackson, a senior, and junior Najeh Davenport.
“It’s not easy to watch from the sidelines when you know that you cangetit done,” Portis said. “I try to do the best I can on every play, just incase I don’t get another crack at it for a while.”
Jackson is fourth on the Hurricanes’ career rushing list and hasstarted 34games.
“We have a lot of good backs on the team and that’s good,” saidJackson,who ran for 58 yards against McNeese State. “Right now I believe I’m gettingthe job done. Clinton’s time will come.”
Sophomore quarterback Ken Dorsey, who will be making his fifth careerstart,and first on the road, against the Huskies, said he loves having these toolsathis disposal.
Receiver Santana Moss is Miami’s most dangerous threat with acombination offlashy moves and 4.3 speed. Against McNeese State, the senior scored on a77-yard punt return and a 75-yard reverse for a total of 204 yards offenseinthe game.
Reggie Wayne, a senior, is third on the Hurricanes career receivingyardagelist, behind Michael Irvin and Lamar Thomas. He caught two touchdowns passesagainst McNeese State.
Daryl Jones and Andre Johnson are third and fourth receiving optionsthatcould likely start for many other college teams.
Davis and offensive coordinator Larry Coker say they don’t decide aheadoftime how many touches Moss or Wayne should get, or how many carries thebackswill receive.
“We need to get the ball to our playmakers, but the key is balance,”Cokersaid. “Most any defense can prepare for a team that only runs or onlypasses.”
