Perfect Balance

Watching James Davis (pictured right) run a football is a bit like watching Tony Parker play point guard. Hopefully most of you are familiar with Spurs basketball. The game goes by, and quietly, Parker has dropped 25 points, and assisted, on 8 baskets, and walks home with an MVP trophy. Make it a priority to watch a Clemson Tigers game this fall, and bare witness to the ease at which Davis gets his job done.  He breaks tackles effortlessly, has incredible balance, and is as patient at finding running lanes as any back in college football.

Watching CJ Spiller carry the ball does a little more damage to your heart rate.  He can stop and start on a dime, has blinding speed, and is a threat to score a TD from any spot on the field.  Spiller is definitely a “Did you see that,” back, producing highlight worthy runs on a weekly basis.

Tuning in as the Tigers hand the ball to these two talented tailbacks is quite simply a pleasure to watch.  Davis (5-11, 205 lbs), burst onto the scene as a freshman, rushing for 879 yards and 9 TD’s, despite missing 1 full game and having less than 8 carries in three others.

Last season, Davis ripped through defenses for 1187 yards and 17 TD’s.  Also during Davis’ sophomore season, he found out that Spiller was not your typical back up running back.

At 5-11 190, Spiller navigated his way through opposing defenses, rushing for 938 yards and a whopping 7.3 yards per carry.  Ask any Georgia Tech fan if they’ve heard the name.  Spiller showcased his talents in front of a national ESPN audience, as he rushed for 116 yards and a 50 yard score.  Spiller also found it necessary to take a short dump pass, embarrass a few defenders, and scamper 50 yards for his second TD of the evening.

Where was Davis during that Georgia Tech match-up? He also made a small contribution, rushing for 216 yards and two TD’s. 

Davis and Spiller…. For Clemson fans, these two words are magical. For anyone who opposes the Tigers, many sleepless nights are sure to follow.

MEMO:  SEPT 3, 2007.  Clemson takes on Florida State.

Watch and witness, the best balancing act in the country.

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