WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Aug. 10, 2013)—William and Mary head football coach Jimmye Laycock recently sat down with TribeAthletics.com and discussed the team's running backs in the video feature available above or by clicking here.

Be sure to check back this afternoon for a video feature with running backs coach Chris Barclay.

Additionally, a written preview discussing the team's running back position is available below.

Fans can continue to follow the team as it prepares for the season opener at West Virginia on Aug. 31 by visiting the fall camp headquarters page.

Season ticket information is available by clicking here, or by calling the Tribe Ticket office at 757-221-3340.

RUNNING BACKS
The Tribe is well stocked at the tailback position, as its returnees combined to rush for more than 1,200 yards last season under the direction of running backs coach Chris Barclay. Junior Keith McBride II, a former transfer from Navy, was the squad's top rusher in 2012 and finished the year ranked eighth in the conference with 68.9 rushing yards per game. The 6-0, 220-pound standout possesses breakaway speed as well as outstanding size and power. A hard worker, the Collierville, Tenn., native is the position group's best technician and is capable of emerging as one of the league's top tailbacks. Additionally, he is expected to make an impact on special teams and is slated to be the squad's primary kickoff returner this fall.

In addition to McBride, sophomore dynamo Mikal Abdul-Saboor will be a key component of the Tribe's balanced and versatile ground attack. A converted quarterback, Abdul-Saboor appeared in all 11 games as a redshirt freshman last season and finished the year with 242 rushing yards. The 5-11, 215-pound tailback has good speed and runs well between the tackles. He also has reliable hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield, which was evident when he totaled 134 all-purpose yards in the second half at No. 11 New Hampshire last fall. He should see his production increase this year after an outstanding offseason that saw him improve his quickness, agility and explosiveness, as well as his pass protection technique.

Added depth in the backfield will come from junior speedster Jarrell Cooper (5-11, 190) and redshirt freshman Kendell Anderson (5-9, 203). Although he saw limited action last season, Cooper's quickness provides a great change of pace for the Tribe while his vision makes him dangerous in the open field and as a returner on special teams. His potential was on display during the spring game when he rushed for a game-high 62 yards on 12 carries. Anderson could emerge the Tribe's most versatile back, as he blends size, speed and quickness. Additionally, he has good hands and excellent vision in the open field. Although the Centreville, Va., native did not see any game action as a true freshman last season, he was honored as the squad's offensive scout team player of the year.

After starting at fullback last season, sophomore Andrew Weidinger will assume that role again this fall. A converted linebacker who was selected as the scout team defensive player of the year in 2011, Weidinger made a smooth transition to the offensive side of the ball. The 6-0, 220-pound standout demonstrates a blue-collar work ethic and is an extremely tough player who seeks contact. Additionally, the Burke, Va., native is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Junior Darnell Laws (6-0, 225) is also expected to contribute at fullback, as he was the team's second-leading rusher last season and finished the campaign with 267 yards on the ground. One of the team's biggest backs, he utilizes his size to excel in short-yardage situations but also has the ability to pick up yards in bunches, as evidenced by his 5.2 yards per carry average in 2012. The Sicklerville, N.J., native is also solid in pass protection, which should help him continue to earn his way on the field.