CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Sunday,
August 28, 2011
By Ron Cherubini |
Q&A
with Michael Dobson
By
Ron Cherubini
©2011 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
Coming
into the spring of 2011, Michael Dobson represented the only experienced
that the East Carolina running backs had. It was limited action, but Dobson
executed to the tune of more than 5.5 yards a touch. Clearly a position that
was addressed in recruiting and through personnel movement, what now is
taking place in camp is an all-out battle for what appears to be a singular
job in the offense.
Though Dobson knows that he could come out somewhere in the depth chart
other than No. 1, it doesn’t bother him because he knows for that to happen,
someone has to be pretty darn good to beat him out. Still, he also witnessed
a two-back rotation in 2010 that was pretty powerful. Given that he is a
bigger, more physical back than his counterparts and that he is oriented
with the offensive requirements for a back in this offense, it is a safe bet
that Dobson will get his chances no matter how the running back battle ends
up.
Michael was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his
insights on the upcoming season.

Michael Dobson (35) in action last season (ECU SID
photo)
One-on-One with Michael Dobson

Q: You had a taste of what could
be last season, getting 11 carries in game
conditions (5.6 ypc) and may have the inside track
to the position in 2011. What is your mindset going
into Fall camp?
A: My mindset is to take my
experiences and what I learned last year and try to
build on that. Just try to get better each day. I
think that as a running back unit, we have all been
getting better. Keeping that mindset of coming out
here working hard every day, taking steps forward
every day, you know? If you’re not getting better, I
think, then you are getting worse, and I think we
all have done a good job of getting better every day
out here.
Q: Last year got a first-hand
look at a successful two-back rotation. How are you
differentiating yourself from the other backs this
year and do you see an opportunity for a couple of
backs impacting this offense on a game-by-game basis
this season?
A: I think that the rotation last
year was good for us. We had two good running backs
and that worked out well for the offense. You know,
as far as this year, I can’t say if that would work
or how the rotation is going to be. We have a lot of
talented guys and I feel like we all could play and
help this team win. But we just have to keep going
at it and see how the rotation works out this year.
Q: Explain what is asked of a
running back in this offense?
A: To be a running back in this
offense, you have to be a complete back in this
offense. It is a fast-paced offense and you have to
be mentally strong because you have to think fast
and play fast. You have to be able run, block and
catch equally well. Catching is a big part because,
as you know, with the type of offense we have, we
throw the ball a lot, so you have to be able run
routes and catch well out of the backfield. Of
course, it is also a given that you are going to be
a very good runner as well.
Q: What player on this team do
you most respect and why?
A: I don’t think I can say one
over the other… it is the entire team. As far as
this camp, everybody… I mean everybody has been
working hard. We have been working harder than we
ever have before in my time here. The respect level
from everybody has increased by a big margin… I look
at it as an entire unit. I have the highest respect
for every guy here. We have been working very hard.
Q: What player on our defense
puts the best pop on you when you are going live?
A: [ Laugh ] There are more than
one out there… hmmm… Justin Dixon. You know, he’s a
pretty big, serious dude and he likes to hit you and
tell you about it to let you know.
Q: Give me your thoughts on the
offensive line out there right now for the Pirates?
A: I see a lot of improvement.
Some of the guys are inexperienced as far as game
experience, but I have seen through the spring and
in this camp steady improvement. The biggest thing I
see is the mentality and attitude of the guys. They
are going to get the job done and get their blocks
no matter what. They seem meaner and more focused on
doing their job as a group. They are doing a great
job and I am proud of them.
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