Singletary stars at FAU, but he’s not the only RB
FAU has a lot of options but no sure things after C-USA MVP Singletary.
The big question for the Owls is who will emerge as the second back behind Singletary; we take a look at the depth chart.
BOCA RATON — Objectively or subjectively, Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary is the best player in Conference USA.
Objectively, Singletary is the reigning C-USA MVP after running for 1,920 yards and an FBSbest 32 rushing touchdowns.
Singletary’s 32 scores were the third-most in Division I history and set a conference record, breaking the mark held by former UCF star and current FAU running backs coach Kevin Smith, who ran for 29 touchdowns in 2007. C-USA coaches voted him the preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
Subjectively, Singletary’s jukes, spins, and cuts make him mustsee TV each week. The junior already has appeared on plenty of preseason watch lists, running back rankings, and even a few mock drafts for next spring’s NFL Draft. Singletary could very well end up being the greatest player on either side of the ball in FAU history — and that says more about him than it does any other player who’s worn an Owls uniform.
But while Singletary has proven himself as an all-time Owls icon, questions surround the rest of the team’s running backs. Fan favorite Buddy Howell has graduated after rushing for 2,419 yards and 22 touchdowns from 2014-17 and signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent, leaving Kerrith Whyte (Seminole Ridge), Gerald Hearns (Dwyer),
and former top recruit Tyrek Tisdale among the backs fighting for the vacated No. 2 spot behind Singletary.
Projected depth chart
Devin Singletary, Jr., 5-9, 200: All eyes will be on Singletary as he attempts to replicate — or even surpass — his historic numbers from last year. If Singletary continues to run over defenses, #Motor 4Hei5man will become a common hashtag in college football circles.
Kerrith Whyte, R-Jr., 5-10, 200: A Seminole Ridge alumnus, Whyte ran for 347 yards and two touchdowns on 55 carries last year for a sparkling 6.3 yards-perrush. Whyte emerged as a home run hitter capable of long runs, setting a program record last season with an 82-yard rushing touchdown in a 69-31 win over North Texas.
OR
Gerald Hearns, R-Sr., 5-8, 208: Don’t dismiss Hearns simply because he’s a former walk-on. A key member of the 2013 state champion Dwyer Panthers, Hearns joined the Owls in 2016 and ran for 67 yards on 11 carries last season. Hearns saw increased playing time this spring and was named one of the offense’s most improved players.
OR
D’Anfernee McGriff, Jr., 6-1, 215: McGriff came to FAU as a wide receiver but spent his first year as a tight end, grabbing eight passes for 66 yards and a touchdown last season. Injuries limited McGriff this spring, though he displayed an early ability to make plays as a bigger running back. If McGriff can stay healthy and in shape, he should see snaps as a change-of-pace back.
OR
Tyrek Tisdale, So., 6-2, 210: Tisdale entered FAU with high expectations a year ago, enough to where coach Lane Kiffin called him the team’s “most talented running back” after only a few practices. Injuries limited Tisdale to 30 yards on seven carries last season and he missed most of the spring with another undisclosed ailment, but Kiffin remains high on him.
OR
Malcolm Davidson, Fr., 5-10, 180: Davidson signed with the Owls in February from Osceola and is on campus. A strong training camp could mean Davidson begins this season in the rotation.
The big question: Who will emerge as the top running back behind Singletary? Former Alabama running back B.J. Emmons was supposed to fill that role, but has yet to arrive on campus as he resolves academic issues at Hutchinson C.C. (Kan.). While none of the other running backs on the roster are
Kerrith Whyte emerged as a home run hitter capable of long runs last year.
Singletary, they all bring their own strengths to the table and deserve a chance to earn more snaps.
Whyte has the most experience in terms of carries and has shown flashes in the past, including a five-carry, 72-yard outing against Buffalo on Sept. 23, but battled injuries this spring. Hearns struggled in the spring game, yet he impressed teammates and coaches. If McGriff and Tisdale can stay on the field, they could easily start the season as the No. 2 running back, too.
Newcomer to watch: Davidson’s progress and development will be interesting regardless of Emmons showing up or not. Davidson climbing a crowded running backs depth chart isn’t out of the question.
The pressure is on ... Tisdale, if only for the high expectations Kiffin placed on him as a true freshman. Kiffin routinely speaks highly of young players, even predicting true freshman safety Zyon Gilbert would be an NFL safety after four games last season, but Tisdale had a forgettable freshman season and a lost spring camp. If Tisdale is healthy this summer, he’ll have a chance for a clean start and possibly even fight for the No. 2 job.