Glory will come on the gridiron
Anyone familiar with the older versions of the Madden NFL video games knows one of the most popular lines: speed kills.
A bit of speed can make a big difference in football, and so far for Ohio wide receiver Scott Mayle that has been exactly the case.
In three games Mayle already has 168 yards receiving and two touchdowns. In past seasons those types of receiving numbers would have ranked him near the top of Ohio leaders for an entire year. If he continues at this pace, he will gain 672 yards receiving, a number that has only been topped twice since 1971.
Mayle's speed also opens up space for fellow wide receiver Anthony Hackett, who has 156 yards receiving. Finally, the Ohio offense has a passing dimension. Clearly Mayle's impact is evident.
Besides, Mayle isn't the first track star that has found even more success playing football. Michael Lewis, who returns punts and kicks for the New Orleans Saints, found he had little hope in the competitive world of track. While pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL, he took on many part-time jobs, including one as a beer truck driver.
Once he was given a shot with the Saints, he made the most of his speed. Last season Lewis came out of nowhere to set the NFL record for combined kick and punt return yardage.
Sure Mayle might go to nationals and do well at the college level in track, but that kind of speed, combined with sheer athleticism translates better in the long run to football skills. Besides, how many people noticed him before he was playing football? Mayle should continue both sports, but football is his claim to glory.
Track star leaps past competition
Scott Mayle has played in just three collegiate football games, and he has already proven himself as a valuable wide receiver. But what he did last year on the Ohio track and field team was something he can't accomplish in nine more football games. It's just not possible.
Competing in just four outdoor meets, Mayle built a resume that would take most athletes four years to achieve. In the outdoor season alone he won a Mid-American Conference Championship title and finished fourth at the regional meet to qualify for nationals where he finished 14th in the nation -
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Lonnie McMillan and Laurel Scheffel
