Two running backs are better than one, just ask Memphis head coach Tommy West.
Senior Dante Brown and freshman DeAngelo Williams did everything anyone could ask of them Saturday night against Murray State, according to West.
“We’ve got two backs that I have a lot of faith and confidence in,” West said. “I’d much rather have two than one any day.”
In his first collegiate game Williams, 5’10” from Wynne, Ark., took 12 handoffs for 129 yards and one touchdown.
Williams lived up to all the preseason hype. He consistently spun off the fingertips of Murray State linebackers and dropped defensive backs with a well-placed shoulder.
When Williams was wrapped up at the line, the 190-pound back’s legs continued to pump and move the much larger defensive linemen back on their heels.
The Memphis offensive linemen created lanes for Williams to run through and from there his speed took over. Even after a stellar performance Williams was quick to credit the line.
“My offensive line opened up gaping holes, which allowed me to make some plays and get into the secondary,” Williams said.
Brown picked up where he left off last season as he rushed for 89 yards on 7 carries and fumbled one time.
Brown is secure about being the go-to-guy in the backfield and against Murray State, but he ran like a man on a mission. Brown played like he and something to prove and he did by averaging 12.7 yards a carry.
Brown said his hamstring, which he injured in training camp, was not a factor Saturday and had not been bothering him for almost a week.
“It feels fine, I didn’t even think about it when I was out there,” Brown said.
Williams and Brown were shuffled in and out for most of the game, but Brown said that he didn’t mind Williams getting the majority of the handoffs against the Racers.
“I don’t mind splitting time with DeAngelo,” Brown said. “I love having him behind me when I need to rest for a series.”
Brown said that he has no fear about losing his starting spot to the freshman, though there have been speculations.
“I’ve been getting a lot of questions about me being worried about my job,” Brown said. “That’s something I’m not worried about right now.”
There is no jealousy or controversy about playing time between the two running backs according to Williams. Williams said Brown is the feature back.
“Dante is the starter,” Williams said. “He’s going to be the starter all season.”
West said having two backs with opposite running styles is beneficial.
He said Williams gives opposing defenses a different style of running to deal with.
“Dante’s a little bit better running inside and DeAngelo is a little better outside,” West said.
Williams said he is comfortable with his role as a backup this season.
“I complement Dante,” Williams said. “When he gets tired and needs a breather I come in and do what I can to contribute.”
West said Williams and Brown have a close relationship and that Brown has been mentoring Williams ever since the beginning of training camp.
“Dante has done a tremendous job of trying to help DeAngelo,” West said. “When Dante was hurt, he spent a lot of time working one on one with DeAngelo.”
