As a 2006 Freshman All-American, Falcon running back Chris Bullock knows he can be a productive player.

But after the since-graduated Anthony Turner and current starter Willie Geter burst onto the scene in 2007, Bullock has seemingly been an afterthought in the Falcon offense, gaining 894 yards in the three seasons since his freshman campaign when he netted 769 yards.

Now 15th on BG’s all-time list for rushing yards with 1,652, the fifth-year senior said he’d like to finish the year out strong.

‘Hopefully I can produce more and help the team out,’ Bullock said.

A lot of that will depend on how hard he practices.

First-year coach Dave Clawson has consistently rewarded players who perform well in practice, changing his starting kicker and one defensive tackle during the season.

Clawson said Bullock has shown promise some weeks but not on a consistent basis, which is why Geter has seen the majority of attempts this season.

‘A lot of it with Chris is his week to week practice,’ Clawson said. ‘There’s weeks when Chris practices really well that we have confidence in him going into the game. In the last two weeks, he’s practiced better so there’s been more confidence putting him in.’

And Clawson was rewarded for his decision.

Bullock bulled his way ahead 11 times against Miami last Thursday for 82 yards – his best single-game output since torching Temple for a career-high 182 yards on Oct. 28, 2006.

Because he is bigger (5-foot-11, 223 pounds) than Geter (5-foot-8, 175 pounds), he gets the nod if the Falcons are leading late in the game because he is able to gain small chunks of yardage (career average of 4.5 yards per carry) almost every time he runs, which keeps the clock ticking down.

But because BG has played from behind or held a tight lead in the fourth quarter of many games this season, Bullock has spent more time on the sidelines than on the gridiron.

‘Chris knows when we have the lead and we need to get some yards on the ground, he’s going to be the guy,’ said senior quarterback Tyler Sheehan.

‘We all knew he had talent after his freshman year,’ he later added. ‘It’s just a matter of him getting it done on a regular basis.’

Bullock admitted his diminished role on the team has been frustrating, but he has always done his best to make the most of it, whether that be making a block or gaining a couple yards for a first down.

‘It gets frustrating, but you have to deal with your position and role on the team,’ Bullock said. ‘I just do the best at that. Whenever I get in, I try to make the best of it.

‘I play when I’m told and I do my best whenever I get in,’ he later added. ‘In practice, I try to stay focused and show what I can do.’

But still, Bullock is able to look back at his career with fondness, remembering the 2007 GMAC Bowl and his stellar freshman campaign.

‘I’d really go back to my freshman year,’ Bullock said. ‘It was a different system. We really ran the ball.’

But he would also like to end his career on a high note, namely the second bowl game of his career.

‘Just show the world or just the U.S. what we can do,’ Bullock said. ‘Through the season we’ve built and figured out how to win these games.’

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