Backup running backs don’t get upset over playing time

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Gazette-Times Reporter

This was supposed to be the breakout year for Ryan McCants. The big bruising running back was prepped to take over the primary ball carrying duties for the Oregon State football team.

He knew the system and worked hard to be ready, but lost the starting job after one game once the Jacquizz Rodgers phenomenon began.

McCants is a redshirt freshman and Rodgers a true freshman. If things remain the same, McCants could live in the shadow of Rodgers his entire career.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if McCants were to transfer after the season or request a position change because the 6-foot-1, 240-pounder has a lot to offer, but that’s not his way of thinking.

“I came to this school for the coaching staff and players,” McCants said. “I just wanted to be part of a winning team. If that means I have to take a backseat to Quizz and watch, then the coaches made the right decision.”

Francis is in the same situation. He entered the program this season with high hopes after playing two seasons at El Camino College in the Los Angeles area.

With two seasons to play, he didn’t want to wait in the wings behind freshmen.

“I’m not a type of person to complain that I’m not playing as much as I want,” Francis said. “I understand competition. The best way to handle it is to fight through it and keep your mouth shut and work hard every day.”

As it turns out, McCants and Francis will be called on to play vital roles Saturday when the Beavers play Oregon for a chance at the Rose Bowl.

Rodgers sprained the AC joint in his left shoulder last Saturday and is doubtful for the game.

“Injuries always happen, but you never want to see one of your teammates dinged up or possibly not able to play,” McCants said. “We know Quizz is the guy. He’s one of the reasons we are here in this position.”

McCants and Francis have been praised by the coaches for staying engaged at practices and being ready each game.

Both have been used sporadically this season. McCants, in particular, has been getting more carries in recent games so not to wear out Rodgers.

“Ryan has handled it exactly as you would hope anybody would,” coach Mike Riley said of the demotion. “It’s just great for a young man with that kind of disappointment to continue to work and be ready for the opportunity. Ryan has a lot of character. He kept working and came through when needed.”

When Rodgers was hurt in the first quarter last Saturday, the offense didn’t stop.

McCants came on and had 52 yards on 15 carries and one catch for 5 yards. Francis was used on third downs to pass block and caught seven passes for 61 yards.

“The coaches kept us ready the whole time,” McCants said. “They did a good job keeping our heads in the playbook and getting us prepared each week. I take practice very seriously. You don’t take any reps for granted.”

A similar scenario played out last season for the Beavers. Starting running back Yvenson Bernard couldn’t play in the Civil War due a lingering knee injury. Matt Sieverson stepped in and had a career game to help the Beavers win.

McCants saw that game and Francis heard the story. Both hope the same thing can happen for one of them.

“It’s something you think about,” Francis said. “We are just going to go into the game and play loose. I look at it as just another game to win to get to that Rose Bowl.”

Quarterbacks Lyle Moevao and Sean Canfield, and offensive linemen Adam Speer and Gregg Peat say nothing changes for them. They’ll play their positions and have faith in either back.

Rodgers says he’s not rushing back to action if he’s not ready because he knows they can win without him.

“Everybody appreciates how good Quizz is,” Riley said. “But everyone will put their arm around (McCants) and won’t blink. No matter what happens they keep going. There’s a lot of faith in him. We are fortunate to have him and Jeremy Francis.”