Aug. 10, 2011

Tim Albin - Asst. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs

What have you seen and what do you expect from your corps of running backs?

"We're counting on Donte [Harden] to step up this season since he's been seeing action since his freshman season. We're looking for him to be an every-down type of back and stay in the ball game. He had a good summer and he's as strong as ever, if not stronger. Ryan Boykin had a good spring and he's up to second team and right now is getting the same amount of reps as Donte. Beau Blankenship has picked things up very well and he is our strongest player. He also has great down-hill speed.”

How are you utilizing all the different types of backs?

“Back before I joined the staff I saw Coach Solich at a clinic and he said that running backs come in all shapes and sizes. They’re all different but when you find a good one, you use him. Well, we’re using all our guys right now.”

How are the freshmen adjusting?

“Kyle Hammonds and David Fulcher are two players we’ve thrown the kitchen sink at. We have 90 percent of what we want to do offensively in play now and they’ve kept up with it. They’ve been studying and they have the ability. We’ve had them on punt return these last two days and they’ve both shown promise there also.”

Running Back Donte Harden

Do you feel any pressure heading into this season?

"There’s not too much pressure. I just have to do what I’m supposed to do on a daily basis. I just have to come out here and keep trying, day after day, to improve. I’m eager for the season to start just because I know we have a team capable of achieving great things this season."

What are your goals this season?

"The goal is to stay healthy, first and foremost. I just want to keep getting stronger and faster while praying to the man upstairs that I can stay healthy."

How have you grown during the offseason?

"I know I have to watch all my “P’s and Q’s”. I know I’m a senior and the way I carry myself on and off the field is important. You have to be the same person when eyes are watching that you are when those eyes aren’t watching."

What do you think about the offense this season?

"I think we can really put up some big numbers this season and be explosive as an offense. We have the ability to rattle off some big plays at any given time and the potential for our team is limitless."