Freshmen running backs are ahead of the game

Halfway through the regular season, Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott is pleased with where true freshmen running backs Chez Mellusi and Michel Dukes are at from a developmental standpoint.

“Each week, I see them just doing things that are giving me confidence,” Elliott said this week.

Mellusi and Dukes have each played in four of the Tigers’ first six games, logging a total of 36 and 35 snaps, respectively.

Dukes has rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, while Mellusi has 145 yards rushing and a touchdown on 18 carries (8.1 average).

“I think Chez is running the ball hard. You can see that,” Elliott said. “He still has to get a feel for…