Football spotlight on Crowley RB Larry Cheeks

By Shawn Smajstrla

Special to the Star-Telegram

His story: Cheeks is a three-year starter for Crowley and was an integral part of the Eagles' undefeated run through District 8-4A. Through 11 games he has accounted for 1,740 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns on 233 carries (7.5 yard-per-rush average), and has added another 243 yards receiving and a touchdown on 17 catches. In Crowley's 34-10 bi-district playoff win against Granbury on Friday night, Cheeks ran for 187 yards and two scores.

His goal: While his immediate goal is to keep the Eagles' playoff run going, Cheeks would like to continue playing football after high school. "I just really want to play football and hopefully make it to the NFL if I have a chance, but I'd also really like to become a sports agent."

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He said: "We expected to do big things this season. Many people didn't expect us to do a lot of big things, but we showed we could be a special team. I've become so close to so many people I wasn't really too close with before. It's like I have another family out there.

"For me, [my time at Crowley] has been a blessing. The people around me [have had a big part in my success]. So many people around me have pushed me so hard, like my coaches and my family. I've always had older people help push me and make me a better man, a better athlete and a better football player."

Coach Chris James said: "He's not the fastest guy on the field and probably not the quickest, but his vision and his balance are tremendous. He's got a low center of gravity already, so taking him down is very difficult. If you just saw some of the things he's able to do with the ball in his hands, it makes you say 'wow.' He gives you a wow play at least once a ballgame.

"I'm just proud of the season he's having because I know that kid has put in the work and the effort and he deserves to be recognized. I don't care what level you're talking about in the Metroplex because I've coached at the 5A level in Arlington and had some really great runners and seen some really great runners, and Larry Cheeks ranks right up there at the top as far as talent is concerned with all the kids I've seen and coached. Larry is a fine student-athlete; he's a 'yes sir, no sir' kind of kid. His parents have done a great job raising him."

Interesting note: Cheeks says he listens to slow music before the games, as opposed to most people who listen to upbeat songs. "I don't need to be too hyped," he joked.

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