Success From the Gridiron to the Track

Tom Tabler April 27, 2024 @ 07:59 AM

Many football prospects compete in multiple sports these days. In this article, we are going to highlight several prospects that have success on the gridiron as well as the track. The versatility that each player has opens plenty of eyes around the state. From field events to the relays, we have seen plenty of football players continue to put in the work on the track.   [player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges']-Running Back-Marked Tree-2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] is a running back that has plenty of explosive plays to his credit. He has good vision and explodes through the rushing lanes in impressive fashion. Hodges does a nice job of allowing his blockers to open up a rushing lane. Hodges can carry the football between the tackles or cut the run down the sideline. His speed on the field has translated to the track. Over the past few weeks, each time he has stepped on the track he has improved on his times. He is a player to watch out for this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='789982' first='Micah' last='Gamble']-Running Back-Fordyce-2027   [player_tooltip player_id='789982' first='Micah' last='Gamble'] has impressive versatility on the football field as well as on the track. He is a running back that does an excellent job of making opposing defenders miss. Gamble is a difficult running back to bring down on initial contact. Meanwhile, on the track he has helped Fordyce rack up some championship hardware this week. He won the 400-yard dash in impressive fashion this week. Gamble was part of a Fordyce team that won the district championship. He is a running back to watch out for this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='187634' first='Peyton' last='McNeely']-Defensive Line-Benton-2024   Over the past few seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='187634' first='Peyton' last='McNeely'] was a force on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers. He has the ability to play all over the field at the next level. Meanwhile, he is continuing to open eyes in track and field events for the Panthers. Earlier this week, McNeely racked up a conference championship in the shot put. What makes this even more impressive is that he did so while recovering from a torn PCL. He is a player to watch out for at the next level in the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='221290' first='Michael' last='Hayes']-Defensive Back-Joe T. Robinson-2025   [player_tooltip player_id='221290' first='Michael' last='Hayes'] is a defensive back that does a great job of shutting down one side of the field. Hayes does a great job of using his speed to disrupt the opposing offensive passing attack. He does a great job of separating the ball from the ball carrier. Hayes gives opposing offensive passing attacks with his quickness. Over the past few weeks, he has had no problems showcasing his great speed on the track. Helping Joe T. Robinson perform well in numerous relays over the past few weeks. He has the potential to have a strong 2024 senior season for the Senators.   [player_tooltip player_id='250016' first='Owen' last='Miller']-Quarterback-Harding Academy-2025   [player_tooltip player_id='250016' first='Owen' last='Miller'] does a great job of opening eyes on the gridiron as well as the track. He has earned state MVP honors in state championship games twice. Miller is a dangerous quarterback whether it be throwing or running the football. Meanwhile, on the track, Miller racked up conference championships in the long jump, 100-meter dash as well as the 200-metter dash. Miller is having a strong spring and should have a great senior season in 2024.

Many football prospects compete in multiple sports these days. In this article, we are going to highlight several prospects that have success on the gridiron as well as the track. The versatility that each player has opens plenty of eyes around the state. From field events to the relays, we have seen plenty of football players continue to put in the work on the track.