STARKVILLE — Colby Runnels understands now the word “starter” is what he makes of it.
After being disappointed he wouldn”t be starter for the Starkville Academy football team”s opener against St. Andrew”s on Friday, Runnels made the most of time as the Volunteers” “sixth man.”
The junior running back rushed for a career-high 187 yards on nine carries and had touchdowns of 7, 23, and 87 yards in Starkville Academy”s 38-3 victory.
For his accomplishments, Runnels is The Dispatch”s Prep Player of the Week.
“I think my role is just to do my job whenever I am in there,” said Runnels, who also plays outside linebacker. “Coach Terrill say me down and told me what my role was and I was cool with that.”
The 5-foot-7, 175-pound Runnels entered the game on the team”s second play of its first drive. He alternated between ”A” back and fullback in the offense and scored his touchdowns from the fullback spot.
In the spring, Runnels said he started, which led him to believe he might have that spot once the season started. The Starkville High transfer arrived midway through the 2010 season and began to set the stage for this season. Under the supervision of assistant coach Bubba Davis, Runnels has improved his strength and his confidence with plenty of hard work.
“I am not the biggest guy, but with that strength you get that mind-set I may not be as big as them, but I might be as strong or stronger than them,” Runnels said.
Starkville Academy coach Jeff Terrill said Runnels is a “team player” who recognized he is a “starter” even though he isn”t one of the first 11 players who hits the field.
“When halftime comes and the game is over, he realized he will have played more reps at certain positions than the guy who was out there,” Terrill said. “He always has a great attitude. He always comes to work, and we were not surprised by his success. We expect it to continue in multiple positions. He is just a joy to coach.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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