This program has enjoyed a lot of success over the last decade and a half. One of the keys to that success has been our ability to run the ball. That ability always starts with the offensive line. But, for now, we are going to focus on the running backs.
We've had a lot of great backs over the years. It all started back in the day with Forrest Carlyle, a tough hard-nosed runner who refused to give an inch on any play. He was best known for always moving the pile forward. We can look back to Mike Williams, an electrifying back who was a threat to go the distance every time he touched the ball. Jimmy Manley was a smallish runner, with the physicality of a big back. He could pound you, as well as run around you. Dereik Driscoll was the small runner, who could make you miss in a phone booth. He had the best feet and balance of anyone I've ever coached. Curtis Bedgood was a smart, instinctive runner. He was great in traffic and the open field. Dominque Small was a stubbornly tough runner. He also was a guy that could take it the distance at any moment. All of these guys were special players.
Last year Dominique was injured for most of the year. But before he was hurt, he was the top back in the area. That led to the emergence of 2 other running backs; Jason Logologo, and Aaron Brown. Those guys really did a great job in allowing us to be successful on offense. Dominique and Jason have moved on to college ball. That leads to this question. Is Aaron Brown ready to step in and become the next great back at Mayfair High School? We believe so, but first, he has to win the job over a host of other talented players.
Jerry Smith played a big role, late in the year, on offense as a runner. His explosiveness really provided the offense with some homerun ability. He's not ready to concede the job to Aaron. Marcus Harden, who played mostly on defense as a starting safety, is a talented runner that wants to compete for the job. He projects as a running back on the next level. Billy Thomas is a multi-skilled talent who is also in the mix. This young pup is chomping at the bit to play a bigger role this year. Titus Brown, who is only in his second year of organized football, is more than capable of pushing these other guys for playing time.
It will be very interesting, to say the least, to see how this position battle shakes out over the spring, summer and fall camps. Competition makes us stronger. Depth makes us dangerous.
GO MONSOONS!!!
