BLACKSBURG, Va. – Blacksburg's state title run was fueled by just that, the run. Particularly the ground game of Bruin's running back Cole Beck who rushed for 2,156 yards last year.
"He's a playmaker in this area of Virginia, or anywhere in the state or in the country. When you have Coleton Beck speed it just changes the game in high school. It's tough to make up for speed if you don't have it and if you have it, you have to find ways to use it, so he is a blessing," Blacksburg head coach Thad Wells said.
Scoring 35 touchdowns his junior year, he was a frequent flyer in opponent's end zones. But the 6'1"- 185 pounder isn't about to take all the credit.
"Well really just share with my teammates. I couldn't do it without them, especially the front guys, they had a phenomenal break out in playoffs just like I did. It's because of them, so I'll credit to them, we're going to keep carrying on and just play football," Beck said.
Not only did Beck torch the turf, he tore up the track. The senior is a two-time defending 3A state champion in multiple events, the 100 and 200-meter dash and the 4x100 relay. He helped lead the Bruin's indoor track team to state championship and added another accolade to his resume, finishing first in the 55-meter sprint. But topping his long list of accomplishments, is placing second in the 100 in the New Balance Nationals meet.
"Well he's more than a football player that's for sure. He does some big things in track, he's the second fastest kid in the country, which is very good to have on the football team. So he gets a lot of talk but he's very humble. He's not out there to try to show off or anything. He does it all for the team and that's what makes him a great teammate," said linebacker and wide receiver Josh VanGilder.
To add to his resume, Beck posted a 4.29 40-yard dash time, and in the world of college recruits, he is now Southwest Virginia's most wanted. The speedster received numerous division one offers including Louisville, Virginia, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech. He plans to play football and run track at whatever school he chooses, but in the wake of making that decision, he's focused on one thing, his final year playing for Blacksburg.
"Honestly, just get the younger guys better and leave on a good mark. Obviously I want to win, I want to win every game, so there's no doubt about that. I want to break everything, break every record, but the main goal is to leave a legacy and make the team better on when I leave," Beck added.
Despite the Bruin's move to 4A, this back is looking to sprint his way back to being a state contender, in more sports than one.Â