The running back position couldn’t be in better hands as the nationally-ranked West Liberty University football teams heads into the 2010 campaign.
Kevon Calhoun (5-11, 190, sr.) shattered the Hilltoppers’ single-season rushing and scoring records last year when he ran for 1,529 yards and 22 TDs. He added 460 receiving yards and four more TDs through the air to finish with a school-record 156 points.
According to WLU offensive coordinator Gary Krol, the best may be yet to come for West Liberty’s All-Region ball-carrier.
“Kevon was absolutely 100 percent prepared for his senior season when he came to camp this month,” Krol said. “He’s really embraced the senior leadership concept and looks a little bigger and a little faster.
“There isn’t anything Kevon can’t do on a football field. He’s really good in traffic, catches the ball great and does a tremendous job in pass protection. I think we’re even better on the offensive line than we were a year ago so the sky is pretty much the limit for Kevon this season.”
While Calhoun will get the lion’s share of the reps in the Hilltopper backfield, there are some capable individuals waiting in the wings.
Sophomore speedster Arvin Bell (6-1, 225, so.) along with redshirt freshmen Justin Brewton (5-10, 180, fr.) and Torrey Jones (5-11, 195, fr.) all bring different skill sets to the position and should be able to contribute over the course of the season.
“Arvin, Torrey and Justin all had good preseason camps,” Krol said. “They certainly showed us they’re more than capable of giving us what we need back there.”
True freshman B.J. Hendrix (5-10, 185, fr.) opened a lot of eyes in August before suffering an injury that will keep the fleet-footed frosh on the sidelines this fall.
“We really liked what we saw from B.J. this month,” Krol said. “He has the physical ability and the mental discipline to really be an impact performer. We’ll redshirt him this year and look forward to getting him back on the field in the spring.”
Also looking to contribute at running back are redshirt freshman Chris Paul (5-10, 180, fr.) and true freshman Marcus George (5-10, 165, fr.).