MOORHEAD, Minn. (8/21/06)-- The real stars of the Cobber offense can be found directly behind the quarterback. The unique Concordia double slot formation lends itself to many players lining up in the backfield and getting several touches on the ball each game. CC had eight different players consistently run the ball last season. Of those eight, Concordia returns six and returns one of the breakaway threats in the conference from the past two seasons.

The biggest loss on offense comes in the backfield where Kevin Williamson led the team in rushing and scoring in 2006 from his fullback spot. He carried the ball 154 times last year and rushed for over 700 yards. He also scored 11 of the team’s 24 TD’s on the year.

The loss will be eased by the return of human battering ram Adam Swingdorf (Sr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley HS). Swingdorf’s punishing style of running will be key in goal-line situations and he should carry the bulk of the work in short-yardage plays. He led the team in yards per carry (6.5) last year and was third on the team in touchdowns scored (3).

The Cobber ground game should continue to grow under the feet of junior Cory Johnson (Moorhead, Minn.). Johnson’s speed and ability to cut back behind defenders have propelled him to over 1500 yards in his first two seasons. In fact , he needs only 455 more rushing yards to become the fifth player in Cobber history to eclipse the 2000-yard mark. He also needs 848 rushing yards to become the all-time leading rusher in CC history. Johnson will be aided by the fact that he is the healthiest he has been since coming to Concordia two years ago.

The most underrated of the backs for Concordia is senior Nick Reinisch (West Fargo, N.D.) who is returning for one more season. His blocking ability is one of the main reasons Johnson is on the brink of the 2,000-yard plateau. Drive in and drive out, Reinisch can be found breaking free of the line to open holes on the second tier of the defense so Johnson and the other Cobber backs can head into the open field looking for a joyride.

Jumping at the chance: Kyle Hilleren, John Stumpf, Nick Birchem and Justin Brantner

Bet You Didn’t Know: Junior running back Cory Johnson needs only 455 more rushing yards to become the fifth player in Cobber history to eclipse the 2000-yard mark. He also needs 848 rushing yards to become the all-time leading rusher in CC history.

If the Cobber running backs were:
A Rock and Roll Song:

“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty
A Bad 1980’s Rock Song:

“You Keep Runnin’ Away” by .38 Special
A Dave Matthews Band song:

“Can’t Stop”