The reason Corey Clement still respects Ezekiel Elliott

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In this week's "Gunn-on-One," which you can see Sunday on NBC Sports Philadelphia's Eagles Pregame Live, Derrick Gunn talks with rookie running back Corey Clement.

Clement, undrafted from Wisconsin, leads the Eagles' backfield with six touchdowns (four rushing, two receiving), and has averaged 4.4 yards per carry. He discussed the keys to his success as a rookie. 

Gunn: You have carved out a nice little niche for yourself in this backfield. How is it that you seem to have this knack for finding the end zone?

Clement: I think it just goes into the preparation that I've had coming into this organization, especially with the help of (running backs coach) Duce Staley. He's helped me, and my knack for finding the end zone became that much more clear. And as for being in the red zone, I definitely depend on the O-line to do what they normally do, and that's handle the trenches, and I got to make them look right by making their key reads. It's just all about the correct timing, study habits, and just having a good feel for the game.

Gunn: You have a lot of depth in that backfield, including a couple of Pro Bowl caliber-type guys. How have you been able to maintain the rotation and not let egos get in the way?

Clement: I think it's where it starts in the room. Tuesdays when we come in, we all just collectively have an open forum. Whoever has anything to get off their chest, how we feel about the game we just played just to make sure everybody is on the same page as far as the game plan, how to help the next running back out. I think everybody is always pulling for one another, and I think that's where comradery and passion for the game always seems to accumulate as one.

Gunn: You're gonna see a guy on the other side of the field named Ezekiel Elliott. Tell me what you like about his running style because I know you got to see him a few times in college, having played against him.

Clement: I love the way Zeke approaches each game. He's definitely a guy you always have to stop and at times he's still putting up 200-yard performances, just with what he did last year. I played against him in college. He did some damage to us in the Big Ten championship. That's hats off to him. He's a guy who's always about his team and wants nothing but the best for them. But at the same time, I always try to outdo him with the carries and touches I do get. I got to make them happen.

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