Dan Enos looking for more from Zurlon Tipton in 2013

Running back Zurlon Tipton was first on the team last season in rushing yards with 1,492, second in touchdowns with 20 and fourth in receiving yards with 287.

But head coach Dan Enos had something to say after the second spring practice that Central Michigan’s opponents next season might not want to hear.

“We still haven’t seen the best of him,” he said. “There are some things he did very well and some things he did adequately. But, overall, I think he’s a good player in a lot of different areas, and he needs to just become a great player in those areas.”

Enos said a player can always improve, and what he is looking for out of Tipton is improved foot quickness and pass protection.

Where Tipton can hone his game, at spring practice, is where Enos said he gives it his all, breaking 30-yard carries and running out in front in conditioning drills.

“When he comes to practice, every day, not many are going to outwork Zurlon Tipton,” he said. “He’s got a great attitude. He’s tough, and he’s got the right mindset.”

The Detroit native has improved by over a yard per carry in his last two seasons, averaging 3.6 in his freshman season, 4.7 in his second season and 5.9 last season.

He accounted for 32 percent of the total offensive last year, but that does not even began to show the load he carried as the season came to a close.

In each of his last six games, he carried the ball over 20 times after he tallied 17 carries at the most in his first seven games.

Tipton averaged 144 yards in the latter half of the year as CMU won five games and lost once.

“I have to say it was an outstanding season,” Enos said. “First really full year of football he’s played since he was a senior in high school and you could tell, because he got better and better as the season progressed.”

If it needed to be said, Enos said it: He has earned the starting spot if he stays on track.

“There’s always going to be two or three guys that are going to get carries in the game,” he said. “But if Zurlon continues where he left off, then absolutely he’ll be our featured back.”

Aside from various skills Tipton could improve, Enos said there is one more thing he would not mind the fifth year senior do, and that is being more vocal.

“I’ve seen him develop as a leader by example,” Enos said. “It’s time for him to step up and be more vocal with his teammates.”