Image of Tony by Associated Press.
In 2008 UMass running backs went (in 12 games) 390-1,744 4.4 AVE 20 TD's 64 LONG 147.8 yards/game.
In 2009 Minutemen running backs went (in 11 games) 412-1,633 4.0 AVE 58 LONG 148.5 yards/game
UMass was 5th in the CAA in rushing and 44th nationally.
Tony Nelson was 3rd and Jonathon Hernandez was 8th in the CAA.
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In 2010 UMass loses:
- Tony Nelson 7 starts 150-741 4.9 AVE 9TD's 50 LONG 82.3 yards/game
- Chris Zardas 5 starts 43-164 3.8 AVE 3 TD's 15 LONG 14.9 yards/game
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Returning in 2010 are:
- Jonathan Hernandez 4 starts 121-577 4.8 AVE 8 TD's 58 LONG 57.7 yards/game
- Cedric Gonnet 0 starts 25-129 5.2 AVE 0 TD's 23 LONG 16.1 yards/game
- Emil Igwenaqu 3 starts 6-11 1.8 AVE 0 TD's 4 LONG 1.0 yards/game
- Alphonus Aguh 0 starts 4-7 1.8 AVE 0 TD's 4 LONG 2.3 yards.game
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This year's roster includes:
- Jamar Smith RSFr 5-11 200
- Sean Unterkoefler RSFr 6-1 210
- John Griffin SR 6-0 205 207-1009 4.9 AVE 5 TD's 70 LONG 91.7 yards/game (transfer from Northeastern, 1st Team All-CAA, All-New England, Offensive MVP)
Notes: UMass' running game felt worse than it was. Tony Nelson missed a number of CAA games due to injury. In addition, UMass fell behind quickly and had to abandon the run fairly early in some games. In three losses, UMass had 82 total yards against Maine, 62 against Richmond and 32 against Delaware.
The addition of Griffin holds the promise that UMass could be a good running team in 2010. Hernandez ran well in spots. He needs to reduce turnovers. Smith and Unterkoefler could also be factors after red shirting last year.
