Giant Strides

Carolyn Walser / senior photographer Redshirt junior tailback Raymond Hines rushed for 191 yards on 29 carries in JMU's 14-13 victory over Lehigh University Saturday. Hines has three straight 100-yard games.

At 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, Raymond Hines hardly epitomizes the ideal stature of a Division I tailback, let alone one that helped save a team’s season. Yet, that’s exactly what Hines has done.

"We wouldn’t be here without him," coach Mickey Matthews said of the redshirt junior from Hyattsville, Md. "He’s just stepped up.

Despite his small frame, Hines stepped into some big shoes in 2004, filling in admirably for two of the Atlantic 10’s most productive tailbacks.

Hines began the season as JMU’s third option behind redshirt sophomores Alvin Banks and Maurice Fenner. But when injuries forced them out of the lineup, Hines was pressed into starting tailback duties.

His performance has been nothing short of remarkable.

"It’s kind of funny how people step up," redshirt sophomore quarterback Justin Rascati said. "He was considered third string but you see how good he is. He gives everything he has and he just runs hard."

Counting last weekend’s 14-13 victory over Lehigh University, Hines has accumulated 935 yards on 181 carries this season, good for 4.6 yards-per-touch. His seven touchdowns are tied for second most on the team this season.

"Having all of those yards speaks to ability," Matthews said. "But, more importantly, it speaks to durability."

What’s most impressive about Hines’ durability is that he has shouldered the load predominantly by himself. Over the past three weeks, Hines’ 97 carries have accounted for over 60 percent of JMU’s rushing attempts.

"Right now, we don’t have anyone else to really spell him," Matthews said. "Raymond realizes that, so he just plays."

However, Hines downplays the excessive workload, calling it part of the game.

"Nothing different goes through my head," Hines said. "I know I have to make a play and I have to do my best."

Still, Matthews said Hines’ ability to make big runs in key situations gives him all the markings of a great tailback.

"All the great backs, when they get tired, that’s when they make their best runs," Matthews said. "And Raymond’s that way."

Case in point: Up 14-13 late in the fourth quarter against Lehigh, JMU turned to Hines to preserve the victory. Hines ran for 11 yards and then 18 yards on his 28th and 29th carries of the game, respectively, allowing the Dukes to run out the clock.

"I just think the way he has stepped up has been great," Matthews said. "It’s the classic case of a youngster who was patient, worked hard and waited for his turn to show what he can do."

Lately, Hines has shown he can do a lot.

Since taking over as the featured back, Hines has averaged 133.6 yards-per-game. He has rushed for over 100 yards in four of JMU’s last five contests and has scored five touchdowns in the last four weeks.

"He played well when he got his chance," Matthews said. "But beyond that, he has improved his game each week."

Rascati added, "He’s small but he’s a tough guy, and he loves getting the ball. I didn’t really consider him third-string from the beginning."

Of course, Hines doesn’t play like the average third-string back either.

"It’s actually kind of crazy with how well he’s done," Rascati said. "We’re giving him the ball and he’s getting it done."

And the Dukes are content to keep giving him the ball.

"I know I have to step it up," Hines said. "I was just waiting for the opportunity to come. I’m going to give my 110 percent each week."

As JMU prepares for its most important game of the season Saturday, Hines is ready and Matthews is confident about what he will get from his starting tailback.

"He maxes his abilities on the field," Matthews said. "Whatever he has in his body to help us win a game, that’s what he gives us."

And that’s why the Dukes are still playing.