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Running backs

By ERNEST HOOPER

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 17, 2001

Projected starters

In the past, rushing duties have been split between running back Warrick Dunn and fullback Mike Alstott, but new offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen made it clear in February that Dunn will be the featured back. Dunn emerged as a capable every-down player in 2000 when Alstott sustained a mid-season injury. Dunn rushed for 635 yards on 124 carries over the last six games. Alstott will contribute and likely will be included more in the passing game. The Bucs would like for him to return to his form of 1996 when he had 65 receptions.

Others

Running back Rabih Abdullah is a restricted free agent but has been tendered a one-year offer by the Bucs. He played in 12 games as a backup in 2000 and also had 16 special teams tackles. Christensen said Abdullah will get more time as a blocking fullback. Aaron Stecker played in 10 games and was the team's primary kick returner until hurting his knee in late November. He was inactive in the last four games. Fullback Charles Kirby was activated from the practice squad on Oct. 5 and ended up playing in six games.

Fantasy pick

TCU's LaDainian Tomlinson has vaulted to the top of the running back class after demonstrating the ability to run between tackles, make players miss and catch the ball in post-season all-star games. It didn't hurt that he ran under 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Some have likened him to Emmitt Smith, only with more speed, but his ability to be a punishing runner inside remains in question.

Other top prospects

Mississippi's Deuce McAlister, Wisconsin's Michael Bennett and Maryland's LaMont Jordan all rank among the top players at running back. McAlister's injury-plagued senior season has hurt his stock, while Bennett was suspended for a game after receiving a discount on sneakers and later was arrested following an early morning dispute and faces charges of criminal damage to property and unlawful use of a telephone. Tennessee's Travis Henry, a Frostproof native, should draw attention in the second or third round. Auburn's Heath Evans, Nebraska's Dan Alexander and Texas A&M's Ja'Mar Toombs are ranked as the top fullbacks.

Key statistic

The Bucs were 9-2 in 2000 when Dunn rushed for 50 yards or more.

What the Bucs are thinking

Alstott (2003) and Dunn (2002) have contracts that won't expire for awhile, so the team does not need to immediately groom someone to fill either position. Dungy expressed confidence in the abilities of Stecker and Abdullah, so the backfield is likely a low priority.

The thought here

If the offense is built around Dunn, the Bucs will need a backup who can at least mimic Dunn's quickness and big-play capabilities, or someone who combines speed and power. At backup fullback, the Bucs have spent most of the Dungy era getting by with tight ends and journeymen. Although Abdullah will get a shot, maybe they should solidify that spot with a bona fide prospect.

2000 draft review

The Bucs did not draft a running back or fullback in 2000.

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