Preview 2010: Ellis' QB makes the switch to running back
Published on -9/2/2010, 12:50 PM
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By RANDY GONZALES
The Ellis prep football team has holes to fill this season.
One hole the Railroaders won't need to worry about is running back. Senior Jacob Kinderknecht, who played wide receiver as a sophomore and quarterback last year, will likely line up at running back this fall. That's because last year's JV quarterback, junior Riley Hunsicker, had a good offseason and has earned the starting role at QB.
Ellis coach Butch Hayes was hoping to find a way to put Kinderknecht at running back, and Hunsicker's elevation paved the way.
"That gave us a chance to look at Jacob at running back," Hayes said. "He's the fastest kid we have on the team, big-play threat. Get the ball in his hands, always a threat to score.
"Pretty excited about him back there," he added. "Jacob is going to be a key player to have this season."
Last year, Kinderknecht ran for 607 yards and 13 touchdowns while playing QB. He also threw for 657 yards and six TDs.
The offensive line lost both tackles, but does return three seniors -- center Logan Mattheyer and guards Matt Gehring and Scott Fuller.
"They're going to be leaders on the offensive line," Hayes said.
The Railers also have junior Jared Herl back at tight end. He also will be one of the linebackers in Ellis' 3-5 defense. Herl made 81 tackles last year, second on the team.
"He's the biggest kid we have," Hayes said.
Kinderknecht, a free safety, had 10 interceptions last season.
Ellis, 9-3 a year ago and a playoff team in Class 2-1A, has Mid-Continent League powers Norton, Smith Center and Phillipsburg at home in the season's first four weeks.
"We've got to grow up fast," Hayes said. "We don't have much experience going into the season. I think it's going to be key to get off to a good start, play good football -- win or lose."
