Tavien Feaster: Spartanburg standout anxious to learn from Clemson’s Gallman

Tavien Feaster’s chance to be the featured back at Clemson in 2016 likely vanished when redshirt sophomore Wayne Gallman announced he would return for his junior season, but the Spartanburg standout believes more competition in the backfield is a blessing and not a curse.

Gallman broke the Clemson record for rushing yards last season, finishing with 1,527. Feaster, who signed with the Tigers on Wednesday, welcomes the opportunity to share a backfield with the veteran.

“I was hoping he would come back because that would be great for me to learn from a guy like that,” Feaster said. “It’s great. I think I can learn a lot from Wayne. I think he can teach me a lot, and I can develop to be a great player.”

While Gallman will likely remain Clemson’s starter, Feaster should get plenty of opportunities. He is rated as the No. 1 all-purpose back in the country according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney compared him to former Tigers star C.J. Spiller during his Signing Day press conference.

Feaster said Clemson is committed to finding ways to get the ball in his hands during his freshman year.

“I think they’re definitely going to use me in the passing game a lot. I can catch,” he said. “And they said they’re going to try to get me some outside runs. That’s how I’m looking to go in my freshman year and contribute to the offense.”

Feaster also will provide a change of pace to Gallman. He is a shifty back who might be the fastest player on Clemson’s team as soon as he steps on campus. Feaster won the 100 meter and 200 meter 4A state titles each of the past two years.

“We’re very different backs,” Feaster said. “Wayne, he’s physical in the hole. I’m finesse in the hole. I make you miss and take off. Wayne will run you over and take off. We’re very different.”

As a senior, Feaster rushed for 1,121 yards and 10 touchdowns and added 976 receiving yards and 12 scores. He helped Spartanburg to a 12-2 record a year after leading the Vikings to a state title.

“We’re losing something special. Guys like him don’t come along very often,” Spartanburg coach Chris Miller said. “He’s so versatile. You can throw it to him. You can give it to him. His vision and everything is getting better and better. His bright spots are still in his future.”

Feaster was banged up for part of his senior season but played through nagging injuries. He was named to the Shrine Bowl and US Army All American Bowl but was less than 100 percent for both all-star games.

“I think if he would’ve been healthier towards the end we’d be talking about another state championship, but that’s part of it. That’s the game of life,” Miller said.

Feaster said he will be healthy when he arrives on campus at Clemson, and he is hoping to be the next great Tigers running back.

“I think I can put up tremendous numbers. I think I can become a great player,” he said. “I’m trying to break records like C.J. (Spiller), James (Davis) and Wayne. You’ve got to do those things to be considered one of the greatest.”

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 9:23 PM.