SIU running attack needs consistency during 2019

CARBONDALE - In a strange turn of events, it is the Saluki football offense that is more problematic than the defense heading into the 2019 season.

Coach Nick Hill's offense the last three seasons has averaged 32 points per game. So, it would seem, the defense (which gave up 32.7 points per game the last three years) would be the football bogeyman in this plot.

But this year, the Dawgs' defense looks ready to finally step up and be of championship caliber. When the Dawgs drive to nearby Cape Girardeau Aug. 29 to meet the 19th-ranked SEMO Redhawks, look for SIU to have a great chance to shut the Hawks down. But, of course, the Dawgs will still have to score more points than the Hawks.

Successful Saluki football teams have featured dominant running attacks that controlled time of possession during key times in the game. Yes, Hill's last three teams have scored points, but they have not had consistent running attacks.

For example, Jerry Kill's 2006 team featured Arkee Whitlock (1,828 yards, 23 touchdowns), who averaged 24-plus rushing attempts per game. You could not stop the Dawgs' running juggernaut even if you knew what was coming.

After not having a runner with a rushing total over 500 yards in 2016 and 2017, stellar senior-to-be D.J. Davis edged over the 1,000 yard mark (1,065) in 2018. But Davis only averaged 16 attempts per game - eight less than the durable Whitlock.

Whitlock was only about 5-foot-9 but a sturdy 200 pounds. Davis is the same height but 170 pounds. Could Davis rush 24 or 25 times a game? I guess we will find out how durable he is soon in the season.

However, durability at the running back position for 2019 could become less problematic if two other Saluki players step up. Those two may be red-shirt freshman Javon Williams Jr. and true freshman Romeir Elliott. Williams, in his first look at running back last spring, was a revelation.

"Javon is still learning the details of being a running back," said Hill. "But when he does learn those details, he has a knack for making people miss."

And at 6-foot-1 and 239 pounds, he can run over people, too. If he continues to progress, he could be that every-down back SIU hasn't had for a decade.

Elliott, though only 5-foot-5, packs a 190-pound punch. He has proven his durability. In 2018, he ran for 3,045 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Romier ran for 227 yards on 25 carries in Warren Central's game for the Indiana State High School 6A Football Championship.

Elliott reminds me a lot of 2008 Saluki star Larry Warner, who was as tough and durable as it gets - though also only 5-foot-5 and 175 pounds.

"I think Romeir was the best back in Indiana last year," said Hill. "He played for the Indiana State champs in one of the best high school football programs in the country. We are lucky he stayed loyal to us with all of the offers he had last year."

Elliott, Williams and Davis must help Hill to control the ball in close ball games. If they can stay healthy, SIU's offense will flourish.