CHAPEL HILL — Where is North Carolina tailback Ryan Houston?
A year ago, the UNC bruiser from Butler played in seven games, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 44 attempts. Entering Saturday's game at Miami, the sophomore has carred only six times for 20 yards.
Despite Carolina ground inconsistencies — while averaging 141 rushing yards per game, only 97.7 per games are coming from the running backs — Houston remains third in the tailback rotation, although coach Butch Davis said fans eventually may see more of him.
"I will tell you that I think he is a better football player today than he was a year ago,'' Davis said Wednesday. "I think that the running back picture got a little more crowded because of the emergence of Shaun Draughn, and how that plays out, we'll see. ... I think he has a future in this program, he has a future as a running back. I love that he cut the weight to increase his speed and quickness. ... As in the case of everybody, he's going to get his day to show what he can do."
Greg Little, UNC's starter, is averaging 59.7 yards per game. Draughn is chipping in 28 yards per game.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
Houston
Sun, 09/28/2008 - 10:55 — Tony B. (not verified)Ryan is good and I think he can be a beast once he gets better vision and instinct. I think Greg is better because he hits the hole much harder and rarely gets negative yards even when the line is opening pitiful holes. Ryan is a little tentative hitting the hole at times but I have seen a lot of improvement this year. He is serious about getting in shape and getting better. Draughn is no better, he is a change in pace. He is quicker and more shifty but he is not better than either Houston or Little. I think they should use Greg more coming out of the backfield catching passes as well as attacking the hole. Use all of his strengths, he was a pretty good receiver last year with good hands and good speed. He played more at WR than he did RB in HS not including last year. I think that will add another dimension to the offense. That O-line has got to open up better holes because the yards that the guys do gain is a testament to their talents.
Houston
Fri, 09/26/2008 - 12:50 — HeelYea (not verified)I think Shaughn Draughn is a much better running back than Greg Little. I also believe Ryan Houston is a better running back than Greg Little.
Shaughn should get more carries earlier in the game. He should get more than a carry here and there. Not impressed with Greg Little at running back.
I'm no betting man
Fri, 09/26/2008 - 11:51 — UNCAlumnusBut I would have liked to have some of that USC vs. Oregon St. action. Miami's good, they're 0-1 vs. legitimate teams. UNC is no UF. They're not aTm, either. I'm eager to see the game. I think it will be closer than some think. Ofcourse, I'm liking UNC until they lose, and I'll like then too.
Houston getting splinters
Fri, 09/26/2008 - 06:39 — Vegasjoe57Tell Butch to give him some time!
UNC running game stinks!
Make them all watch Marion Barber tapes and learn to hit somebody and make them pay.
Until the feeble QBs learn to throw with confidence, the running game will face 7-8 man fronts to stuff it and dare UNC to pass.
Miami and under!
AMEN BROTHER !!!!!!!!
Fri, 09/26/2008 - 09:19 — Anonymous (not verified)AMEN BROTHER !!!!!!!!
slight correction
Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:51 — izzykareembut didn't Houston play for ButLer, not ButNer?
thank you for the catch
Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:34 — rpickeral (author)thank you for the catch