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CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Sunday,
August 29, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
Giavanni Ruffin
By
Ron Cherubini
©2010 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
In 2009, Giavanni Ruffin staked his
claim to be East Carolina's starting running back in 2010. His style is the
blend of a physical runner, ala Brandon Simmons, with
the wheels to make big plays, ala Brandon Fractious. With Jon Williams’
track record, it was a safe bet that Ruffin would be the front runner for
the main running back job. But an off-season misstep that saw promising
running back Brandon Jackson booted from the team left Ruffin serving an
internal suspension. Meanwhile, Williams came to camp a new man and has
staked his claim, for now, on the starting job. Ruffin, for his part, has
validated his talents, but working his way up from the bottom of the depth
chart to the No. 2 spot, getting snaps with the first team as well. He is
talented and motivated and could be the uppercut to Williams’ jabs on the
field. It remains to be seen if Ruffin – who changed his jersey number to
No. 1 – will take over the top spot, but there is no questioning his desire
and work effort. Ruffin is ready to carry the ball for the Pirates.
Giavanni was kind enough to sit down
for a chat with Bonesville to share his insights on the upcoming
season.
Q: What can ECU fans expect
from this offense this year?
A: A lot of touchdowns, a
lot of yardage, a lot of plays and a lot of double-trouble in the backfield.
 Q:
Understanding that Jon Williams is considered the top back going into the
first game, does this impact your approach at practice?
A: Of course, I came back in
at the bottom of the depth chart because of my situation. But I have worked
my way back up and am working with the ones and twos. Me and Jon are
rotating right now. I just approach it that I am competing to be the running
back and to help my team out.
Q: You finished 2009 in such a
strong, productive fashion, solidifying yourself as a top back. Do you feel
you are at that same level at this point this season?
A: I am way better than
where I was at the end of the season last year. I am faster and more elusive
now. I am more mature – also – as a college player. I played against great
competition last year and know what is expected to get it done.
Q: Talk about what the running
back must do to be successful in this offense and what you bring to this in
terms of skillset?
A: We do a lot more routes
here and our run game is much more open because there is only one linebacker
in the box since the defense is so spread out. We are a big part of the
playbook and need to be able to do a lot of things… catch the football, run
the ball inside and out, block, do it all. I think I bring that
versatility. It is a running back’s dream, yes sir (to have the one guy to
beat). You got a linebacker and a safety. That is what a physical back
wants.
Q: Talk about this offensive
line and its ability to be a good one.
A: We have three starters
back and the other guys are working really hard. I have a lot of confidence
in those guys up front.
Q: Any thoughts on the
quarterback battle?
A: All the quarterbacks are looking
good. They all know the offense and are preparing to be the guy. I think we
will OK there.
Q: What player on this team do
you respect the most and why?
A: Hmmmm… myself because of
what I went through. I made a mistake and it hurt me and my team. I promised
myself I wouldn’t do anything like that again because I could lose even
more.
Q: Are there any big
differences between this staff and the last coaching staff?
A: No real difference. They are
both good coaches and are trying to accomplish the same thing. The new
coaches bring a fresh start for everyone, maybe that is the big difference.
But they are after the same things as the other staff was. Championships.
All of us, coaches too, you know, we want another championship. We are
champions and that is what we expect.
 Q:
What is the impact of the stadium expansion on the players?
A: We love it… you are talking about
another 7,000 fans there to support us. It feels different
already because it looks
different. Our crowd is already crazy good. More the better.
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