Oran ignites LHS offense, August 28, 1992

Hubert O. Dabney Stadium, Home of the Jackets

Spotlight shines upon Singleton

By Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer

Daily Commercial

August 28, 1992

LEESBURG - The phone rang and Oran singleton answered. The voice on the other end introduced himself as Bobby Bowden. Singleton immediately thought of a couple of friends Steve Gooden and Herbert "Tank" Ellis, and an obvious prank.

"I thought it was Tank and Steve playing a joke," Singleton said.

Fortunately, Singleton refrained from blurting out a quick reply.

"I paused," he said, trading his trademark smile for a perplexed look for just a moment, "because I didn't want to say anything wrong. Then he started talking about this camp he was having, and I knew it was him."

It was indeed Bowden, Florida State's head coach and one of the countless individuals seeking the future services of Singleton. Florida Coach Steve Spurrier has also checked in, though Singleton wasn't around for that call.

After the season the 5-foot-6, 150-pound tailback put together for Leesburg High last season, Singleton has been a popular member of most coaches' mailing lists. Jackets head coach Ed Hoffman said most of the mail he received over the summer was regarding Singleton.

"Florida is known for its skill people, and he was one of the leading rushers in the state," Hoffman said. "That;s national recognition right there."

Singleton's goal entering the 1991 season was to surpass 1,000 yards. He blasted past that mark in just the sixth game of the season and finished with  1,798 yards on 193 carries - better than 9 yards per attempt. He was honored following the season as a Class 4A first-team all-state selection.

Hoffman said Singleton was leading the nation in rushing for part of the year, and he led the state for about half the season. At times, he even surprised himself.

When I ran for 275 against (Ocala Vanguard, that shocked me," Singleton said.

He had a barometer entering that game. Area rival Bayfus McCoy of Eustis had gained 248 against Vanguard in an earlier meeting.

Though Singleton outrushed McCoy (ho finished with 1,310 yards) last season, the rivalry was always a topic of conversation in the area.

McCoy has move on , and Singleton, in a way, has the stage to himself this season. But he said he already has a new rival with whom to contend - McCoy's successor, Oliver Longley.

"we played against each other in JV," Singleton said. "He's a good player."

And the two met again this summer at the University of Florida.

They were among a group of 25 students who enrolled in a one[month session to further themselves in various classes in preparation for college.

Among the classes was a course in preparing for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Singleton said he has already taken the exam once, but he came up just short of the 700 score necessary to compete at any NCAA level school. He said he sis scheduled to take the test again in October.

Hoffman said if Singleton achieves thte required score, his options will be may.

"Probably not as a running back, but as a kick returner or punt returner," Hoffman said. "He's quick as a cat. The scouts all like him."

Singleton, a New York native who moved to Leesburg in the fifth grade, said his first choice would be Michigan. He's not bothered by the coled weather, and he's enthralled with the size of the Wolverines' linemen.

He said Florida, Florida State, Miami and Clemson are also high on his list.

Scouts from Florida and Pittsburgh were among those on had at the spring jamboree. Singleton can expect may others to take a look this season.

Hoffman has put together r a 15 minute e highlight tape on Singleton for scouts to see when they come to Leesburg.

Despite all of the attention he's a team player, and anything that's better for the team is what he wants to do," Hoffman said.

"He really supports the team a lot," echoed Jackets offensive guard Clay Rector. "He goes all out for the team."

Rector and the rest of the offensive line attended a camp at Valdosta State College during the summer. Not surprisingly, Singleton took notice.


"Then I came back (from Gainesville), I heard they were the stars of the show up there," Singleton said. "i was proud of them. I'm sticking behind them."

While Singleton can again be expected to gather his share of rushing yards, he can also be expected to catch a few more passes. Hoffman said the Jackets' offense will include more passing, and Singleton should see the ball come his way with greater frequency.

Last year, Gooden threw to Singleton just three times, with one going for a key touchdown against Orlando Edgewater.

"We're going to try and get the ball in his hands as much as possible," Hoffman said. It's just a different way of getting him the ball....He's got great hands."

And Singleton knows that he'll command attention on the field.

"That'll be good; then the other players can get (the ball)." he said. "If I never score a touchdown, that's fine as long as we win."

And he knows he'll command attention on and off the field - from the recruiters. And his teammates are just happy Singleton is being singled out.





"It shows that we've got one of the best running backs in the state,: Rector said.

"He's one of the most team oriented kids I've ever been associated with,' Hofffman said. "If you tell him he played a good game, he'll praise the offensive line. He doesn't need the praise. He's going to get it anyway on his talent." 

"He's one of the most team oriented kids I've ever been associated with,' Hofffman said.
"If you tell him he played a good game, he'll praise the offensive line. He doesn't need the praise. He's going to get it anyway on his talent."  

Resources
Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer

Daily Commercial

August 28, 1992

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com

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