Pirates must diversify on offense

Replacing Johnson will be a group effort

GREENVILLE -- With 4.24 speed in the 40-yard dash, Chris Johnson fled to the NFL.

And when Johnson, the nation's 2007 all-purpose yardage leader, left, it was as if three big-impact East Carolina players had departed: a running back, a receiver and a return specialist.

Replacing Johnson's versatility and productivity (2,960 total yards) is a titanic task that turned into an even bigger challenge when projected running back starter Dominique Lindsay underwent knee surgery in mid-August.

Now coach Skip Holtz, counting on a "committee" of ball carriers, is hoping the Pirates will stay healthy enough to regain some of the lost yardage and compete for the Conference USA title.

"We're in a totally different situation, not in a one-horse show," said Holtz, who originally had five backs available to fill in for Johnson, the 24th overall first-round pick in the NFL draft.

With Lindsay -- a savvy veteran and talented all-around back -- out, persevering senior Brandon Simmons has worked his way to the top of the depth chart.

In the wings are Jonathan Williams, Norman Whitley and J.R. Rogers, all who can run to daylight. Rogers has been banged up, first with rib injuries, then by hurting his leg in Wednesday's practice.

If those four avoid further ailments, ECU can attack with different running styles -- shifty, speedy, and some sledgehammer.

Simmons, a walk-on transfer from Elizabeth City State in 2006, is what Holtz describes as "hard-nosed, a bull, physically determined."

Rogers and Whitley are "slashers, more like Johnson" in style, able to juke and jet in the open field.

Williams is a combo ball carrier who can power inside or pop outside.

The Pirates should be able to have fresh backs bursting at full speed behind the deepest and best offensive line since Holtz arrived four years ago.

Veteran quarterbacks Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass also can keep defenses from stacking to stop the run.

While the Pirates expect to make more strides defensively -- with nine starters returning -- racking up points is critical in C-USA. It typically takes a potent attack to keep pace.

Last year, Tulsa led the nation in total offense with 543.9 yards per game and returns several of its big guns. Houston averaged 501.9 and Memphis 443.6.

Whether running or throwing, or both, C-USA teams figure to take lots of trips to the end zone again.

ECU's backs will strive to keep stride. Time will tell who gets the most work. Lindsay had an experience edge, with 66 rushes for 205 yards, five touchdowns, and nine pass receptions last year.

Along with Simmons, he also best understood the nuances of ECU's multiple offense, according to Holtz.

"They [Simmons and Lindsay] know how to do all the little things the right way, make the adjustments,'' Holtz said. "It's not just knowing what to do; it's knowing how to do it when the defense changes. Those guys understand the whole scheme."

Lindsay, who played on four state high school championship teams at Charlotte Independence, was pumped about trying to carry on the Chris Johnson tradition.

"Chris set the standard high," he said, adding that he hoped this season's backs could "set the bar higher for the next [group]."

Now it's up to his ball-carrying buddies, who have flashed more promise than production as ECU running backs.

Simmons (53 carries, 116 yards), Williams (22-150), Whitley (6-44), and Harris (20-97) have had limited rushing opportunities, but now have the chance to break out.

Rogers, a former Sanderson High standout in Raleigh, redshirted last year after transferring from Bakersfield Junior College, where he rushed for 2,162 yards in two seasons.

Williams, recruited from nearby Greenville Rose, made C-USA's All-Freshman team and was the Pirates' No. 2 kickoff return man with a 22.3 average per runback.

To match Johnson's 28.0 return average, he'll have to accelerate another notch.

"It's about being patient, waiting for things to open up, using your blockers -- and speed," Williams said, explaining his return mentality.

The Pirates need receiving yardage from the backs as well -- 537 to match Johnson's output. Williams indicated that shouldn't be a problem, saying everybody is doing a "great job" catching the ball.

As for scheme tweaking, Holtz isn't making major adjustments.

He says the Pirates' versatile offense is equipped to accentuate the athletic ability of mobile quarterback Pinkney or employ four wideouts to highlight pocket passer Kass.

"You'll see different things and different personnel groups," said Holtz.