King’s Herman Yancey knew the best tribute to an injured teammate was matching his production.
Yancey, a senior transfer from Perspectives-Leadership who usually lines up as a wide receiver, shifted to running back Saturday and immediately showed off his special playmaking skills.
“Our star running back went down, they asked me to play there and it was on me,” Yancey said. “I like to start slow in the backfield, but as soon as I see that hole, I just burst through it.”
More Top Picks Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
That burst showed the Jaguars might have another star in the making.
Yancey ended up rushing for 176 yards and scored three touchdowns for King in a 31-20 nonconference victory over Lane Tech at Stagg Stadium in Chicago.
Senior running back Justin Williams added a 92-yard TD run as the Jaguars (2-1) broke open a game that was tied 7-7 at halftime.
Junior quarterback D’Angelo Bell had a 1-yard TD run and threw a 73-yard TD pass to senior receiver Britton Perkins for Lane Tech (1-2).
Yancey, meanwhile, helped offset the loss of junior running back Jamar Lewis, King’s top college prospect who has offers from Illinois, Northwestern, Wisconsin and other Power Four schools.
Lewis suffered a knee injury at the end of the Jaguars’ season-opening win over St. Laurence.
“We’ve been waiting for him to come over here,” Lewis said. “He said he wanted to show everybody what he could in a (Public League) Red conference. He wanted to destroy the Red.
“He’s a great leader, always in the weight room, and he’s done a great job creating chemistry with all the other guys ever since he got here.”
Yancey also has bolstered the big-play capabilities of King’s offense.
“He has been a leader for sure,” Williams said. “He stepped up and taught us his ways. He wanted to put a show on and show what he could do.
“Since he came over, my communication got better and we’ve been more explosive.”
Yancey was at his best during the second half, producing 145 yards and all three of his TDs on 10 carries. On the first play of the third quarter, he blasted off for a 35-yard TD run.
“Positions don’t really matter to me,” Yancey said. “I’m an athlete, and anywhere they need me, I’ll make a play. I’m quick and explosive. I can catch it. I can run with it.
“I also like to be shifty in cutting and movements.”
More Top Picks Best Photo Scanners
Joining a new program is always a tricky process. Making the move as a senior only further complicates the social dynamics of adjusting to new relationships and changing roles.
King offered greater visibility, prominent history and a chance to improve his recruiting profile.
“We’ve already played two Catholic schools,” Yancey said. “Not to discriminate, but there was less talent in the teams I played against at Perspectives.
“The change was just about developing me and helping me get to the next level. As soon as I transferred here, I got bigger.”
Yancey, who has drawn interest from Aurora University and Rockford, was just 136 pounds when he arrived in the summer. He’s now at 157. The added weight hasn’t slowed him down.
Playing against other top Public League programs is a chance to build up that resume for Yancey, who first picked up playing football at age 10.
“My dad played basketball — my uncles played basketball,” Yancey said. “Nobody in my family really played football. I wanted to take this road to see how it went.”
Yancey believes that playing certain positions creates styles. His personality is open, gregarious and playful. He craves the big moments and the chance to show what he can do.
Playing running back increases his touches and provides a greater showcase for Yancey, who is also a dangerous kick returner.
“I’ve been playing the game my whole life and I’m not afraid of the contact or taking the hits,” he said. “Everything is bigger now and I’m just playing with my head on a swivel. I’m focused.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.