For a big chunk of the 2016 season, it looked like Charleston running back Tevion Cappe was ready to emerge as one of the Mountain East Conference's premier backs.
Through the Golden Eagles' first five games, Cappe averaged a little more than 90 yards per game on the ground and led a UC rushing attack that looked at times like it could be the best in the conference. Then a dislocated hip derailed that season and forced Cappe to the sidelines as Charleston limped to a 3-8 record.
"When it happened I was really discouraged," Cappe said. "But I just kept trusting God and I trusted in the process. I have 100 percent faith in myself and I knew that I was going to come back and bounce back from it."
That time watching provided some extra offseason motivation for the Watertown, New York, native. But things will be a little different when Cappe returns to the field for the Golden Eagles.
Gone is Marvin Elam - who split carries with Cappe the last few seasons - after he ran for 753 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. But Cappe will still have a dynamic partner in the backfield as Vernard Roberts is expected to step into a larger role in the UC offense this season.
The one-time West Virginia running back who started two games for the Mountaineers as a true freshman in 2011 has had flashes of brilliance since arriving at Charleston last season. He had 137 yards against Urbana and ran for at least 60 yards in two other games. Kirkland believes that Roberts' skill set will complement Cappe's very well this season.
"They're both beasts - on the field and in the weight room. They've had another year in this system and that helps so much because you know what to expect when you've been around like they have," Kirkland said. "They're both every-down backs and we're planning on using them both in the backfield at the same time. They're too good to not have on the field as much as possible."
Cappe echoes that sentiment, saying he can already tell a difference. With Roberts pushing him every day this offseason and in camp, he feels it has helped him as prepare for UC's Sept. 2 opener at West Virginia State.
"If we prepare the right way, I think we can be better than we were last year [running the ball]," Cappe said. "He's going to come in with the same intensity he always does and that just pushes me to keep getting better. Vernard makes me want to keep raising my game to that next level, and that's the kind of thing that good teammates do."
Cappe has been through a lot in the last few years. He got to be a part of the historic UC team that made a Division II playoff appearance in 2015. He has experienced what it's like to be forced to the side and watch as his team struggled.
Throughout everything, he kept his focus on the task ahead, making sure he's ready to do whatever he needs to do to help get Charleston moving back in the right direction.
"The most important thing I always try to do is keep my positive mindset in anything that I do - even in the negative moments like I had when I was getting healthy again," Cappe said. "Now it's time to stay ready because at the end of the day we have the same goal here of winning a championship."
Contact Michael Carvelli at 304-348-4810 or michael.carvelli@wvgazettemail.com. Follow him on Twitter @carvelli3.