June 28, 2006

Editor's Note: This preview of Texas State's running back and fullback positions is the second in a series of insights into the 2006 Texas State football season. Generally, a new feature will run each Wednesday prior to the start of preseason camp.

SAN MARCOS - When it comes to the running back position, Texas State has not had a break-away threat the past two seasons. This fall, that could all change.

Both red-shirt freshman Alvin Canady and sophomore Stan Zwinggi, who returns to the running back position from receiver, have explosive speed.

Canady had a 50-yard touchdown run in one of the Bobcats' scrimmages this spring. Zwinggi scored on a 54-yard run against Oklahoma Panhandle State in his lone action at the running back position in 2005.

"You can hand either one of them the ball at the 20 and they have the ability to go 80," said Texas State associate head coach Brad Wright whose responsibilities include coaching the Bobcats' running backs. "They have done a great job running the football."

While both bring a new dimension to the position, they still have a ways to go to become all-around good running backs.

Senior Daniel Jolly may not have the kind of speed Canady or Zwinggi possess, but he is a proven runner and has the ability to pass block, something the younger players are still learning.

Jolly, who transferred to Texas State from Colorado prior to the 2005 season, is the Bobcats' leading, returning rusher with 515 yards and eight touchdowns on 111 rushing attempts (4.6 yards per carry) last year. He entered spring camp as the squad's top running back and nothing changed that fact during the 15-practice off-season.

"He is the only guy back with real experience at the position," Wright said. "He is a tall, strong player who can take the pounding from linebackers while pass blocking. He has done a great job for the Bobcats."

While Canady and Zwinggi's pass blocking ability improved during spring drills, the blocking techniques involved with keeping 235-pound linebackers from Texas State's quarterback is something both will need to continue improving.

Zwinggi ran for 87 yards on six carries and had two receptions for 18 yards last year as a red-shirt freshman. Canady rushed for close to 4,000 yards during his career at San Marcos High School.

"We tried Stan at receiver because he could run. He's the fastest guy on the team. But he was not a natural receiver," Wright said. "We needed the numbers and we needed him at receiver for some reps. Now we have some additional receivers, he is going back to where he naturally belongs."

"We have really been impressed with Alvin's speed," Wright added. "He's a tough player who did a great job from the time he got on campus through the spring, gaining some muscle and mass."

In addition to the three backs who have now all been in the Texas State system for at least a year, the Bobcats also have an unknown commodity with the addition of Greg Gold, an Oklahoma State transfer with one season of eligibility. While he has proven to be a coachable, hard worker during summer workouts, his ability to contribute could depend on his ability to pick up Texas State's offensive system.

Look for Texas State to get more production out of the fullback position with the return of Blake Burton, who started last year as a red-shirt freshman. Burton was used primarily as a blocking back and did not have a rushing attempt during the season. He did catch seven passes for 91 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown reception against Texas A&M.

"Blake Burton was overlooked in the recruiting process," Wright said. "He walked on here at Texas State and has become a heckuva football player. We're going to put him in situations to be successful and he will have an expanded role without our offense this fall."

Also returning is sophomore Ryan Odell who proved his north-south running ability in a 118-yard, two-touchdown rushing game against Oklahoma Panhandle State. Odell suffered a shoulder injury against OPSU which set him back but showed signs of improvement in the spring.

As converted linebackers, both Burton and Odell bring a certain mentality Texas State's coaching staff look for players at the fullback position.

Texas State's season opener is Sept. 2 when the Bobcats play host to Tarleton State. Season tickets are currently on sale through the athletic ticket office located in Strahan Administrative Annex or by calling (877) 798-CATS.