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Backing up all the talking

Miami tailback Clinton Portis displays his ability as much as he talks about it.

By MICHAEL SNYDER

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 11, 2001

CORAL GABLES -- Clinton Portis never met a tape recorder he didn't like -- or a camera.

[AP photo] Clinton Portis, here on a long run against Washington last year, might have to do so again Saturday against the No. 13 Huskies.

Some recent examples of Portis telling things his way: "If Penn State stacks the box, we'll score 60 or 70 on them" or "If I carry it 30 times, I might have the NCAA single-game rushing record" and "I can be a receiver, cornerback, safety, quarterback. ... I can play anything."

Now a junior tailback at Miami, Portis' talents might have exceeded his views on them. No short order.

Those talents will be counted on at 3:30 p.m. Saturday when the No. 1-ranked Hurricanes (2-0) host No. 13 Washington (1-0) at the Orange Bowl.

"It's great because it really helps your play-action game," quarterback Ken Dorsey said. "He's a great runner, the defense always has to account for him. Really you saw that (against Rutgers). They had an extra man in the box on almost every play to try and stop him, and make the outside guys beat you. That's the type of edge you get with a great running back."

And that's the edge Portis has been providing UM since he arrived as a freshman in 1999.

"Every season he's been here, he's had a great season," running backs coach Don Soldinger said. "He gets himself ready to play games. Mentally, he's tough as tack. Physically, he's tough as nails. ... I think his best asset is when he steps on the field he's a super, super competitor and you always have a chance to win with someone like that."

Portis ran for a school-record 2,036 yards as a senior at Gainesville High, where he also was a member of a state champion 4x400-meter relay team in track. But he had no interest in staying home and playing for Steve Spurrier and the Florida Gators, and the feeling appeared mutual.

Portis played as a freshman because of a season-ending injury in the opener to Najeh Davenport and a series of injuries to James Jackson.

When Jackson was hurt at East Carolina, Portis came in and rushed for 147 yards on 27 carries and scored once. Portis led UM in rushing in 1999 with 838 yards, which established a freshman record. It was the first time since 1975 a true freshman had started at running back for the 'Canes.

"I wanted to break a big run every play because I didn't know how much playing time I'm was going to get," Portis said. "Now I can wait for the big plays to come."

The spotlight shined brightly on Portis that year, and he didn't exactly shy from it. While some might have thought him cocky, Portis said it was confidence in himself. Last season, the spotlight wasn't directly on Portis. Jackson was a senior and Portis was slowed by a foot injury.

The highlight for Portis was rushing 18 times for 97 yards, including a game-clinching 35-yard jaunt, against Florida in a 37-20 Sugar Bowl victory.

This year, Portis has dedicated himself to being the best back in college football. He certainly did nothing to hurt his case by rushing for 164 yards on 17 carries in Miami's 33-7 win over Penn State Sept. 1, Portis' 20th birthday.

"Me and coach (Larry Coker) were joking around," Portis said. "I told him, "Fifteen carries is all I need, after that he can put in whoever he wants.' I felt confident in getting the job done in 15 carries. I really do feel that. All I need is 15 carries a game, and I'll be happy."

He had 14 carries for 51 yards and one score in the 61-0 blowout of Rutgers.

Portis said too much is often made over his perceived brashness.

"I always feel confident in backing things up," Portis said. "I didn't mean to make any predictions, like I was challenging Penn State. Any time I say something, I'm willing to back it up."

"I don't like (him) doing that," Soldinger said. "I'd rather do it on the field, but that's his personality, I know where he's coming from. ... That's the way he is. He talks, but he walks it too. The great ones do that. They talk the talk and walk the walk."

Portis knows he has to back it up for another reason. If he needs extra motivation all he has to do is look at backup Willis McGahee and Frank Gore both freshmen. And there's Davenport, now at fullback.

"If he just he just plays football," Soldinger said, "he'll end up, if not the leading rusher in UM history, right up there with James Jackson, Edgerrin James and Ottis Anderson."

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