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SAN ANGELO, Texas – At 5 feet 5 inches, 5 feet 7 inches, and 5 feet 9 inches, Angelo State's top three tailbacks might be the most diminutive in stature on the roster. Don't be fooled by their size, however, as the trio will play a huge role as the Rams look to build upon a 6-5 mark in 2009 and make a splash in the Lone Star Conference.

Samir Baker, Nevin Gardiner and Tristan Carter continued to show that the running back position is the most improved aspect of ASU football as the team completed a two-a-day practice session at San Angelo Stadium Thursday.

All three showed signs of quickness and agility during the Rams two hour practice on the turf Thursday night, a hint that the team could improve upon its' middle-of-the-pack 127.7 yards per contest from last season. The trio made defenders miss, and hit holes created by the offensive line during the Rams' inside run drill and team portion of practice.

“There's no doubt about it, this is the best backfield we've had since I've been here,” Angelo State senior quarterback Josh Neiswander said. “We've got a slew of running backs and good fullbacks. One of the parts of our offense that was missing last season, was a really good running game. I definitely feel like this year will be much improved and it's definitely going to help our passing game.”

All three are new to the Rams for 2010. Baker joined the team for spring practice after transferring from Alcorn State, and Gardiner and Carter transferred in from two-year schools over the summer. It hasn't taken long for the tiny trio to make their mark.

“We're a pro style offense, so a big part of our passing game is play action passes,” Neiswander said. “When you don't have a threat to run the ball like at times last year, play action passes aren't as good. With the running game we feel like we're going to have, teams are going to have to respect that aspect of our offense and it will put us in a good situation.”