Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson is one of the most explosive athletes in the country, averaging 14.5 yards every single time he touches the ball. But he's been used sparingly this season as the Miami coaching staff tries not to overuse the freshman.
In an interview with Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald, Miami offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch said he knows he has two excellent players behind Johnson in Mike James and Eduardo Clements that deserve their share of the carries as well:
It would be really tempting (to overuse Johnson) if I didn't feel great about the other guys. We've got two great backs behind him. Mike (James) is playing at a very high level.
And while Johnson has been excellent in his limited carries, Fisch doesn't want Johnson to be fatigued as the game wears on:
We just can't leave him in constantly because all of a sudden those reps aren't as good. When we watched the film, not everything was touchdowns and 30-yard gains. So we have to make sure we keep track if he's getting fatigued or if he's taking a down off. We don't ever take downs off.
Johnson himself just wants to help the team in any way possible, even if it means being a part-time player:
If it's in my role this week to make a big play and help the team out, that's what I'll do. I'm just basically here to do my role.
Read more on the Yellow Jackets at From the Rumble Seat and SB Nation Atlanta. Head over to The 7th Floor and SB Nation Tampa Bay for more on the 'Canes. The NCAA football hub page is your source for news and analysis around college football.