Talented Wofford playing ‘jack of all trades’

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000 | 10:30 a.m.

Two years ago James Wofford was "The Man" on UNLV's offense.

Then a sophomore tailback, Wofford was basically all the Rebels had during the final year of the Jeff Horton regime. Despite a nonexistent passing attack, the Bakersfield (Calif.) High School product rushed for a team-high 816 yards, including 184 in one game against Wyoming.

But when John Robinson took over for Horton following that 0-11 1998 season, Wofford found himself moved to fullback.

And this year instead of just being "The Man", you could say the versatile Wofford is "The Man For All Positions."

"He's doing everything for us," Robinson said. "He's one of the best all-purpose players I've ever coached."

Considering some of the players Robinson has coached over the years, that's quite a mouthful.

"He can play tailback, fullback and this year we have him at what we call an a-Back ... sort of an h-Back (tight end in motion)," Robinson said. "We're not taking him out of the game. In nickel situations, he'll be the remaining back in the backfield."

Robinson paused and then smiled.

"I hope he lives through the season," he said. "He's going to be on the field just about all the time."

Wofford, a quiet leader, isn't complaining.

"I just try and play the role that they give me and fit in with the offense," Wofford said. "We're going to be doing a lot of different things now with our offense. We have a lot more weapons here now."

Robinson said he plans to use Wofford in much the same way he used a young sophomore fullback at USC in 1979.

A fellow named Marcus Allen.

"Marcus caught like 40 passes that year and rushed for about 700 yards," Robinson said. "I don't know how many times we'll be able to get the ball to James this year, but we plan on using his skills. His football skills and work ethic are really exceptional."

"We have a lot of guns to fire on offense this year," Wofford said. "And when you go to war with a lot of guns to fire, maybe you can hurt somebody."

The 6-3, 220-pound Knight was back on Howard Jones Field on Tuesday practicing with the Trojans after being reinstated to the team by coach Paul Hackett.

Knight had left the squad last week during a practice at UC Irvine following a disagreement with USC defensive coordinator Bill Young.