Seminoles strong at critical running back position
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Florida State heads into its 2011 season loaded at tailback with three talented veterans joining a pair of highly recruited freshman in the battle for playing time.
Running backs coach Eddie Gran said during Florida State's annual media day festivities Sunday that it's a good feeling to have that kind of depth at a position where players often miss a game or more with injuries.
Junior Chris Thompson and seniors Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones combined to rush for 1,862 yards and 17 touchdowns last season with the 5-8, 185-pound Thompson finishing the year as the starter. They've totaled 3,646 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns in their Seminole careers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Freshmen James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman — between them — ran for 48 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards as high school seniors.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State heads into its 2011 season loaded at tailback with three talented veterans joining a pair of highly recruited freshman in the battle for playing time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Running backs coach Eddie Grans said during Florida State's annual media day festivities Sunday that it's a good feeling to have that kind of depth at a position where players often miss a game or more with injuries.
Junior Chris Thompson and seniors Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones combined to rush for 1,862 yards and 17 touchdowns last season with the 5-8, 185-pound Thompson finishing the year as the starter. They've totaled 3,646 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns in their Seminole careers.
Freshmen James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman — between them — ran for 48 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards as high school seniors.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. Updates 2nd paragraph to correct spelling of Florida State running backs coach to Gran.)