Clemson on ‘Wayne Train’

CLEMSON, S.C. — Quarterback Deshaun Watson is certainly the face of No. 1 Clemson’s high-powered offense. Then there’s the broad, strong shoulders of running back Wayne Gallman, who powers the Tigers’ ground attack on long drives.

The redshirt sophomore, nicknamed the “Wayne Train,” has rushed for 1,332 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He is just a modest burst away from Raymond Priester’s single-season school mark of 1,345 set in 1996.

That might come when the Tigers (13-0) face No. 4 Oklahoma (11-1) in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Eve for a spot in the national championship game.

If Clemson gets to the title game, expect Gallman to be a big reason why.

He has already eclipsed the Clemson record with eight 100-yard games this season, surpassing the seven of Priester (1996) and Kenny Flowers (1985).

Gallman, at 6-1, 215 pounds, has a powerful strength that’s seen him extend 2- and 3-yard carries into first-down runs.

“I have a grit about myself,” Gallman says. That’s apparent this season. Gallman was part of a pack of Tigers runners last season trying to break through to the top. He found his stride late in the season, rushing for 579 of his team-high 769 yards in the final 6 games.

He entered this season on top of the depth chart and ground his way among Clemson’s very best at his position. Gallman’s totals this season are more than NFL standouts C.J. Spiller and Andre Ellington ever rushed for in one season with the Tigers.

Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney said Gallman’s development comes with maturing and understanding what it takes to excel at this level.

“Father Time taking place,” Swinney said. “Gallman just grew up.”

Gallman’s play opens things up for Watson and the Tigers’ receivers. With defenses focused on Gallman’s running, it allows Clemson’s speedy wide outs like Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud, Artavis Scott, Charone Peake and Hunter Renfrow to slip behind the secondary, co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott has said.