Gardner-Webb's early success in 2013 can be attributed to a strong and consistent rushing attack, which aided a strong defensive surge by controlling the clock and moving the chains.
The Runnin' Bulldogs average time of possession in its three early-season wins over eventual Southern Conference champion Furman (August 31) and top-15 foes Richmond (September 14) and Wofford (September 21) was an eye-popping 36:12 per game. Against the Paladins, GWU had the football on offense for more than 38 minutes – and steady, hard running from its backfield played a major role in that success.
Second-year running backs coach Brett Hickman – who also serves as an outstanding coordinator on special teams – has plenty to work with in the backfield in 2014.
Gardner-Webb returns nearly 83 percent of its rushing yardage from last season and returns a 1,000-yard back for just the third time since the 2000 season, with seasoned veterans Juanne Blount (5-9, 204, RSr.) and J.J. Hubbard (5-7, 168, Sr.) both back as front line performers.
Blount earned All-Big South honors and is a preseason FCS Running Back of the Year candidate (CFPA) heading into 2014 after a breakout season in 2013. The Wingate, N.C., native shattered Gardner-Webb's single-season record for rushing attempts, carrying a school-record 257 times.
He finished with a career-high 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns – joining Justin Richardson and Kenny Little as the only backs in Gardner-Webb's Division I history to top the 1,000-yard mark. The 5-foot-10, 245-pound Richardson did so in 2000 and Little accomplished the feat during Blount's redshirt season in 2011.
In the win over Furman, Blount set a new career-high mark with 162 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. It was the first of three 100-yard games for Blount, with his second coming at No. 8 Wofford on September 21. A driving rainstorm and soggy turf did not hinder Blount in that contest, with 35 carries resulting in 139 hard-earned yards.
Blount was named Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Week following each of those wins.
Hubbard, who doubles as an All-Big South caliber kickoff and punt return man, provides an excellent change of pace. A slippery back with sprinter speed, Hubbard is a threat to score in a variety of ways.
He had a pair of game-clinching kickoff returns in 2013, taking a kick back 51 yards with less than one minute left to set up the winning field goal vs. No. 11 Richmond and giving Gardner-Webb a 27-7 lead on an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown in the third quarter against No. 12 Charleston Southern. The CSU return came on the heels of a Buccaneers' interception return for a score that briefly shifted momentum.
Both Blount and Hubbard are effective catching the football as well and are experienced pass protectors.
Versatile Bobby Clark (5-11, 200, Sr.) worked with the running backs again in spring practice, after spending much of his career as a safety. Clark did see action on offense as a freshman in 2011, carrying 20 times for 71 yards after Little went down with a midseason injury.
With its three scholarship running backs all inhabiting the senior class in 2014, one key area the Gardner-Webb coaching staff addressed during the recruiting cycle was at running back.
The Runnin' Bulldogs signed two in February, with each topping the 1,000-yard mark as a seniors.
One of the program's most highly touted signees comes from Hilton Head (S.C.) High and is poised to provide a very early boost to the offense. Khalil Lewis (5-10, 198, Fr.) entertained offers from a handful of FBS programs – UMass, Florida Atlantic and Buffalo to name a few – before ultimately deciding on a program closer to home.
Blessed with a great speed and power combination, Lewis darted for 3,082 yards and 32 touchdowns over his final two seasons of prep football. Two of his best games came in 2013. He gained 307 yards and scored seven touchdowns vs. Ridgeland-Hardeeville and picked up 265 yards and scored four touchdowns against Battery Creek. As a junior, he gained 1,703 yards – breaking the school's single-season rushing mark held by former NC State tailback Ray Robinson.
The Runnin' Bulldogs tapped into talent-rich Central Florida for another running back in February, inking Kerry Bernard (5-9, 206, Fr.) from a strong Dr. Phillips (Fla.) High program in Orlando.
Bernard made the most of his first season as a starter in 2013, rushing for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 142 carries. He was rated as the No. 6 back in Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and helped Dr. Phillips post a sparkling 11-1 record in Florida's highest classification (8A).
Gardner-Webb reports for preseason camp on Monday morning, August 4.
