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Don't Count Him Out

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Sophomore Avionne Rolle could make an impact on 2009 squad's success in the backfield



After being wowed this Spring by the emergence of Alfred Morris most Fan's, and even popular sites, have paid little attention to the total backfield package that FAU will bring to the table this fall. The arrival of Morris, combined with the established presence of Willie Rose, had overshadowed some remaining members that are part of an offensive system that will employ a platoon of running backs. But when Jeff Blanchard went down with what could be a career ending injury during spring sessions, that opened the door for red-shirt sophomore running back Avionne Rolle.  And he shined.



Rolle was a two sport athlete at Miami central High School (football and track) and rushed for 859 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is not as big as his current FAU running back counterparts, checking in at a conservative 5-10, 180 pounds. And he did not receive many attempts to carry the ball in 2008; totaling 15 yards on three attempts versus North Texas. But don't count him out to be a productive member of the backfield for 2009.



Rolle was a solid contributor when his number was called during the Spring Game. He had his best showing thus far with fifty yards on ten carries - while scoring a touchdown. And he has the ability to make folks miss.



Offensive Coordinator Darryl Jackson recently offered that FAU will "run by committee".  And to do this you need a number of options. While he may be third on the list right now at running back, who knows what will happen after the fall practice sessions conclude and FAU makes its way into what Fans are counting on to be a productive year offensively.



We got a good glimpse of Rolle during the Spring game in April (see below for one of his highlights). He’s young, but has some raw talent that tickles the discerning eye:



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Rolle appeared primarily on strong side plays in the Spring Game and practices, but wouldn't be surprised to see him reel off a nice gain with selective play calling from the FAU sidelines during the regular season to come either.


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