Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008

Gilbert running back leads with work ethic

Gilbert coach Barry Harley said Marco Anderson is the best running back he has coached in 28 years.

Anderson rushed for 1,520 yards and 24 touchdowns in 185 carries last year.

“He’s an explosive back,” Harley said. “He’s an excellent runner, is good catching the ball out of the backfield and ... can create a lot of problems for a lot of people.”

Anderson, who is 5-feet-9 and weighs 178 pounds, will be one of Gilbert’s leaders when the team opens the season at home Friday against Great Falls. “He has the same role everybody has. Leadership comes through effort,” Harley said. “People will not follow you because you can run faster or jump higher; it’s your work ethic and what you do.”

While he would like to add to his rushing yardage, Anderson is focusing on Gilbert producing a better record and drawing closer to a state championship.

“I feel when I’m at practice, I’m the heart of the team,” Anderson said. “I show leadership on the field through my play and encourage other players to do better.

“For the team to be good, a player has to increase his playing level to make the team better. I encourage players ... to be better than the year before.”

Anderson said he is working on blocking and running harder.

“I need to run tougher,” he said. “I need to run through people.”

He considers his speed and agility to be two of his greatest strengths.

“My vision is pretty good,” he said. “I can see anywhere on the field and cut to the other side of the field.”

Harley said Anderson is blessed with a lot of skills athletically, but he works hard, too.

“He has really worked extremely hard his first three years,” he said. “I’m pleased with his efforts. He’s a tough kid.

“He gives you everything he’s got in a ball game.”

Anderson isn’t certain about his next move after high school. He said he has heard from Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Charleston Southern and S.C. State about continuing his playing career.

Harley said he and his coaching staff will work with Anderson to help him get to the next level.

“He has schools interested in him, but it’s his decision,” Harley said. “He’s a yes-or-no-sir type of young man, and that makes a lot of difference. No matter what he wants, he’ll do what you ask.

“He has goals, but he’ll give up his goals in order for us (as a team) to be successful.”

Anderson also runs trackand said he could go to college in that sport, but football is his first love.

“I’ve been playing (football) since I was little,” Anderson said. “And I always knew I’d play college ball. That’s my dream.”

Reach Riddle at (803) 771-8406.