The University of Memphis football team is going into the 2015-2016 season with high expectations after their most successful season since 2008. Paxton Lynch and Sam Craft will head up coach Justin Fuente’s offense which is expected to pack even more of a punch this season.
At Memphis’ media day, Fuente said the initial plan for Craft is to start him out as a tailback this season.
Sam Craft is a 6’0” versatile athlete out of Olive Branch, who has spent the majority of his time at Memphis in the backfield. Last season, was his first time being a full time running back.
“I played in the backfield last year which was my first time playing running back,” Craft said. “It was different going from the outside than going into the backfield, running between the tackles. I think if I get that down a little bit better and being able to block anywhere on the field. I can help the team more than I did last year.”
His first season as a full-time back did not go as planned. The junior struggled to get into the second level of the defense going in between the tackles or turn the corner off of sweeps or when the Tigers ran the option.
Through seven games at tailback last season, Craft tallied only two games with more than 50 rushing yards. The first came during a 38-carry performance, in which he rushed for 170 yards in a 41-14 beat down of Cincinnati.
His struggles were never more apparent than against Ole Miss, which was the Tigers biggest game last season. Craft rushed three times for -16 yards and caught four passes for -1 yards against one of the SEC’s top defenses.
In the Tigers’ Miami Beach Bowl victory over BYU, Craft managed to achieve only two yards in four rushes. That was his first game returning from injury.
Even after his inconsistent play last season, Craft is optimistic going forward.
“After awhile I got comfortable with it,” Craft said. “The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. It’s a big transition, but it’s not one that I can’t do.”
If Craft struggles again this season, Coach Fuente will not be able to justify giving him carries over backs who were better last season. Running back is one of the Tigers’ deepest and most talented positions this season.
Doroland Dorceus and Jarvis Cooper are talented enough to be the Tigers feature backs this season. Dorceus was having an impressive season with 46 rushes for 237 yards and four touchdowns before he hurt his knee against Ole Miss. Cooper did a solid job of replacing him with 75 rushes for 378 yards and four touchdowns. Both are back and healthy for the Tigers this year.
There is a chance that Craft improves at running back this season. He acknowledges that not just himself, but the whole team will improve through diligent and disciplined practice.
“Everyone’s on the same page,” Craft said. “And just come to practice with a mindset to get better. That’s where it all starts. We’ll get better at practice. It’s not going to happen overnight, not during a game. It’s going to happen at practice.”
Craft’s work ethic is obvious. The philosophy Fuente has put together has resonated with Craft.
“Every game is not promised,” Craft said. “It’s just the way you prepare yourself each and every week that’s what we have to do. Take it a game at a time. We’re not trying to cheat reps. We’re actually out there practicing and perfecting our craft and we do those things. We’ll have a successful season.”
There are other positions Craft can play. The combination of quick feet, good hands and above average vision could make Craft a good receiver. He had 31 receptions for 337 yards his freshmen season so it wouldn’t be new for him.
Craft is aware of his versatility and is willing to play wherever helps the most. Whether it’s at tailback or at wide out.
“Where we need help, that’s where I’m willing to go,” Craft said.
Memphis junior Sam Craft will hope to improve upon his 2014 season. He rushed for 372 yards and three touchdowns in eight games last season.
