Davion Ervin-Poindexter’s potential was evident.
But there had been impediments standing in the way of Merrillville’s junior running back from fulfilling it.
Last season, he was on the depth chart behind talented seniors Isaiah Thornton and Myles Taylor.
And still only a sophomore, he was somewhat undersized.
But this season, Ervin-Poindexter has cleared any obstacles, seizing the Pirates’ starting running back position with a flourish.
Having gained 25 pounds in the offseason through an intensive regimen, he has taken advantage of his opportunity.
As Merrillville prepares for its Class 6A Sectional 1 championship game against Crown Point, he has rushed for 1,039 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“It’s just following my blockers and getting north and south,” Ervin-Poindexter said. “My sophomore and freshman years, I had a problem with cutting too much. But being bigger now, it’s just different.”
After last season, Merrillville coach Brad Seiss sat down with Ervin-Poindexter for a straightforward chat.
“We talked to him before offseason workouts that he had to get beefier,” Seiss said. “He was a little injury-prone as a sophomore. But he had a really good offseason where he put some weight on.
“His junior year is the product of the work he put into the offseason. His goal was to be the starting tailback and he did it. He’s had some big games. With his work ethic and what he does in the classroom, he does everything we expect of him.”
Ervin-Poindexter flashed his promise on the practice field last season, providing a credible look for the Pirates on the scout team. But he often was banged up going against a physical defense that included players such as Shawn Streck, who has graduated.
Ervin-Poindexter vowed to address that situation, taking training more seriously than he ever had.
In the winter, he lifted weights twice a day every day. After his second session, he made sure to eat a meal. His diet included plenty of protein.
In the spring, he also participated in track as a sprinter, actually increasing his speed despite the added size.
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When this football season began, he had increased his weight to 185 pounds on his 5-foot-10 frame. He has since dropped five pounds from the wear and tear of the season, but he has remained sturdy.
“I knew I was going to play a big role this year, so I had to add weight, be ready,” Ervin-Poindexter said. “I knew we had a young quarterback coming in, so I would have a heavy role this year.”
His responsibility has grown further since that young quarterback, Cameron Wright, suffered a broken collarbone against Valparaiso on Sept. 30.
With the injury to Wright, who succeeded three-year starter D.J. Wilkins, the Pirates shifted Kameron Jackson from wide receiver.
“When Cameron Wright got hurt, we didn’t necessarily have to change our identity, but we definitely had to be a little more run-oriented,” Seiss said. “Davion’s carries have gone up and he’s had some productive days.”
Ervin-Poindexter credited the Pirates’ offensive line, an experienced group that includes four seniors and a junior.
“The last few weeks, I figured the run game and the defense were going to be key,” he said. “We had to be tougher up front, get more of a push.
“As much work as I put in, it’s just a good feeling that it’s paying off.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff