New and improved: Clemson running backs looking 'transformed'

CLEMSON – With running back Wayne Gallman gone to the NFL, the primary candidates to be his successor each have shown up for Clemson’s fall camp somewhat… well, transformed.

Tavien Feaster has packed on 15 pounds of muscle, Adam Choice has regained his confidence and coach Dabo Swinney is comparing C.J. Fuller to “crisp toast” – in a good way.

“I think Gallman was the one who started calling C.J. ‘Bread,’ because he was kind of soft and soggy,” Swinney said.

No more.

“Now he looks great,” Swinney said. “He looks like some crisp toast.”

Gallman, the Tigers’ former “alpha dog” at running back, is busy toiling in the New York Giants’ training camp, but his legacy and work ethic remain, which Swinney hopes will have a lasting influence.

“The good news is they all know what it looks like,” Swinney said. “Those three guys, they love Wayne Gallman, but they’re so happy he’s in New York somewhere now and not here. It’s a bigger opportunity for them.”

And all are ready to assume the role of lead dog.

“We’ve got a great group of guys,” Choice said following the Tigers’ first live practice in pads Tuesday evening.

Swinney agrees.

“Those three guys are going to all complement each other,” Swinney said. “All are going to have big moments.”

Truth be told, Fuller has shown flashes of readiness throughout his career.

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He enters his third season as the Tigers’ leading returning career rusher with 382 yards and last year posted a YouTube-worthy 30-yard touchdown reception in the Fiesta Bowl romp against Ohio State.

“He’s had success,” Swinney said. “He’s confident. He knows what to do.”

Choice, who was Clemson’s leading rusher when he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Boston College midway through his freshman season, redshirted in 2015, then had 158 yards on 45 carries as a backup to Gallman last season.

“If everybody stays healthy, I’d like to see all of us get touches,” Choice said. “They’re my best friends here and I root for them just like they root for me.”

Choice is feeling 100 percent healthy for the first time in a long time.

“Adam has his confidence back,” Swinney said. “He is one of the most committed guys we have on this team. He feels good and it’s the same thing with him – he knows that the opportunity is there.”

Feaster, meanwhile, is likely to contribute on special teams as a return specialist as well as at running back. The sophomore out of Spartanburg had a team-best 142 all-purpose yards in the spring game and averaged 6.0 yards per carry last season – the best average among running backs.

Feaster also looks impressive as he packed on 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and checks in at 222 pounds.

“I knew I needed to be a little more physical in my game, so I decided to put on more weight,” Feaster said.

He’s now the Tigers’ biggest back – and feeling like a contender.

“Tavien’s a sophomore now, so he’s been through it and has earned the trust of Tony (Elliott),” Swinney said. “He’s paid the price and he was one of the best finishers we had this summer.”

Bottom line: Now Swinney hopes he has another alpha dog in the mix.

“I’m excited about them,” Swinney said. “Those three guys are eager for a bigger role.”

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