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========================================================================= Alabama has option of weighty backfield Associated Press TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A Le'Ron McClain-Tim Castille backfield could pack a 478-pound wallop for Alabama in short-yardage situations. The two sophomores are competing for the starting fullback job this season, but Castille is also in the mix at tailback. "It's a nice weapon, me and Tim in the backfield," said McClain, a 248-pound fullback. "That's a lot of weight. We always talk about us in there together. We really want to be the backfield of the future." It's unclear how often they'll be the backfield of the present. The 230-pound Castille is listed behind Ray Hudson and Kenneth Darby at tailback. Still, the bigger combination "gives us a lot of powder in there," running backs coach Sparky Woods said. The Crimson Tide could have used the extra powder last season against Tennessee. Alabama had a first-and-2 situation in the closing minutes with a touchdown lead and could have run the clock out with a first down. The Tide couldn't get it and the Volunteers drove for the tying touchdown before winning in five overtimes. Castille and McClain, both sophomores, are battling for the starting fullback position during fall camp. Castille was a tailback in high school, but became a fullback out of necessity last season because McClain wasn't cleared to play until midway through preseason practices and never really got into top shape. They did line up together when Alabama ran out the clock during last year's win at Mississippi State. "We're not sure we're going to go to that all the time but we are going to use that as one of our options," coach Mike Shula said. "The more you see that package the more you like it with those two guys in there." Alabama's offense couldn't punch it into the end zone in its first few tries in goal line drills on Saturday in the team's first full-contact session. Then, Castille and McClain came into the game and Castille scored on each of his three carries. He also consistently got long gains during the team's short-yardage work near midfield on Sunday. Rader said it's hard for a running back to fill both roles. "It's just two different mentalities," he said. "Once you go back and dot the i you have one mentality. Once you're in front of him you got to have another mentality. I think it's a difficult assignment to accomplish. Tim's willingness to work and as bright as he is, he can accomplish it." Information from: The Birmingham News ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
