From across the practice field first-string tailback MiQuale Lewis coached second-stringer Cory Sykes through his interview.
"Tell him you're the fastest in the MAC," Lewis said.
Sykes did his best to ignore Lewis, but when the reporter forced the issue Sykes admitted just how fast he was.
"We've got a lot of fast guys," Sykes said. "Me, Koreen Burch and Jakeem Gregory. I think I can beat those guys if we was to race."
It's Sykes' speed that has led to an increase in playing time since the start of the season.
"The strategy is to get the ball in our playmakers' hands the best we can," coach Stan Parrish said. "We got Sykes to the outside, we got the ball to our receivers a lot better."
After carrying the ball once for seven yards in the first two games, Sykes led Ball State University in rushing at Army. He carried the ball eight times for 38 yards.
"I'm getting very comfortable," Sykes said. "Coach Parrish is giving me the opportunity to get on the field and make some plays. He feels confident in me and trusts me, so I just want to go out there and perform to the best of my ability."
Despite out gaining his good friend, Sykes said he didn't say anything to Lewis after the Army game.
"Me and Quale are pretty good friends, but I didn't brag," Sykes said. "I know on any day he can have way more yards then I can." Opponents are more focused on stopping the run this season after Lewis gained more than 1,700 yards on the ground last year. Sykes and Lewis both said the running back combination can help the Cardinals, because they are so different.
"It's a big difference," Sykes said. "With Quale you pretty much get the whole package. He's more of a smooth, but getting down hill, power back. I can come in and just show my speed out there."
In addition to his traditional running back role, Sykes has lined up as a wide receiver and is a key piece on some of Parrish's gadget plays. The sophomore said he enjoys being a part of the trick plays.
"It's a little bit different than just playing running back," Sykes said. "It's like learning a whole new system."
Parrish has lined Lewis up as a wide receiver in an attempt to prevent opposing defenses from stacking the box against the run.
"We're just trying to stretch the defense out a little bit and get some running lanes a little bit," Lewis said.
It has been slow going for the running backs, after Ball State had to replace four starters on the offensive line. Sykes said to help the young line, everyone needs to get better.
"Last year we had one of the best offensive lines to ever come to this school," Sykes said. "They're getting better each week. The whole offense is, it's not just the line. I think we all have to step our game up."
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