SLIPPERY ROCK— With a first-year starter at quarterback and a limited number of experienced receivers, Slippery Rock University will have to rely on its running game this fall.

That shouldn't be a problem, as The Rock features a productive backfield of senior Corey Manfull (1,258 yards, 13 TDs in 2007), junior Ryan Lehmeier (754 yards, 10 TDs) and sophomore Damarcus Cleckley (588 yards, 3 TDs).

Each averaged more than six yards per carry last year.

"We're a triple threat,"Cleckley said. "It will be more of a challenge this year because defenses will gear up to stop us, but they won't know who's going with the ball in what direction."

With a backfield this deep and versatile, the possibilities are endless.

"With a young quarterback, we plan to run the ball a lot more," offensive coordinator Vic Campagna said. "Having three guys of this caliber is a plus we have to take advantage of."

Manfull is hopeful all three backs will be on the field at the same time whenever possible.

"Something like that could only benefit each one of us and the offense in general," he said.

While Manfull was the only SRUback to rush for 1,000 yards last year, all three are likely capable of such a feat.

"Basically, we've got three starters," Mihalik said of his stable of backs. "We've got the best group of backs in the conference.

"Manfull gives us a combination of speed and power. Lehmeier is the most athletic of the three and could play other positions. Cleckley has the best vision of all three and makes great cuts downfield.

"I like the term triple threat. That's what these guys are. We've had standout backs in this program before. We've had two at one time, going back to the days of (Rick)Magulick and (Stan) Kennedy. But we've never had three,"Mihalik added.

All three backs do share one trait.

"When each is in the clear, he can run away from the defense,"Campagna said.

Lehmeier had a 200-yard rushing game last year while Manfull was sidelined with an injury. Cleckley enjoyed a 100-yard game as the team's third-string back.

The different running styles of each back could create schemes difficult for a defense to contain — even a defense loaded to stop the run.

"Corey can carry tacklers on his back,"Lehmeier said. "All three of us could run for 1,000 yards if the carries were there. Our different running styles are definitely a strong point."

Manfull's personal goal this year is simply to "be better than last year."

"There's no reason why I shouldn't be,"he said. "I never quit working during the offseason. If we run the ball well, we can control the game."

While The Rock's backs return, much of the line that cleared the way for their production a year ago is gone. Only Grant Hrabovsky at guard and Seneca Valley graduate Brandon Fusco at center are back.

"People always forget about the offensive line in situations like this,"Campagna said. "This game always has and always will start up front."

Mihalik agreed — to a degree.

"These three guys can make the line look good," he said.

Cleckley isn't worried about opposing defenses crowding the box, stacking the line or any other terminology one chooses to use.

"I don't care what they throw at us,"he said. "The Rock will run the football. Rest assured, we're going to get it done."