One thing is uncertain about LSU’s running backs this spring.   “The main thing in our realm is the fullback,” said senior running back Charles Scott. “We know who the tailbacks are. We know how the rotation is. We know we all are going to get our carries. The main thing is we’ve got to find a fullback.”The Tigers’ running backs rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns last season behind the blocking of Quinn Johnson.But Johnson’s eligibility is done, and now the Tigers are using this spring to find someone to fill the void he left.”Quinn had some big shoes to fill,” Scott said. “But I think [Richard] Dugas can do that. He’s making big steps towards that.” Dugas, a junior from Lincoln, Neb., is lining up at fullback this spring and has impressed his teammates.”He’s looking real good out there at fullback,” said junior running back Richard Murphy.Dugas is a converted lineman, and his teammates are impressed with his transition to the new position.”The only two people who could do it are him and T-Bob [Hebert] because they are so athletic,” said sophomore lineman Will Blackwell. “Dugas is one of those special guys who can probably play just about anywhere.”Dugas said running backs coach Larry Porter approached him during drills and asked if he wanted to try out for fullback.  “I told him I’d be down,” Dugas said. “Anyway I can get on the field and help the team out.” He said the positions are similar with the exception of running and catching the ball.”It’s kind of the same but kind of different,” Dugas said. “You might catch the ball, you might run the ball, but a lot of the technique is the same. You got to get low and get under those  linebackers coming full speed, but now I have a little more time to read the defense.”As far as running backs are concerned, Scott said the position is more experienced. “We’ve got three or four guys that have been around and know the system,” Scott said.Scott rushed for 1,174 and 18 touchdowns last season, and senior Keiland Williams rushed for 417 yards and two touchdowns. Scott said he’s been focused on becoming a better pass blocker. “That is what I’m working real hard on right now,” Scott said.Murphy averaged more than four yards per carry, and sophomore Stevan Ridley saw a limited number of snaps but averaged 7.7 yards per carry. Ridley is out for the spring with a knee injury.  The running backs also have to adjust to a new offensive line. Center Brett Helms and lineman Herman Johnson left a void in the offensive line that sophomores Josh Dworaczyk, Blackwell and Hebert are hoping to fill.”The coaching staff really found some guys to fill those shoes,” Murphy said. “I’m very confident in the offensive line. You got to be confident in the offense line and the fullbacks to run the ball.”
 
 
 
—-Contact Amos Morale at [email protected]