​The sport of football has evolved considerably over the years. It used to be that the running back held one of the most vital roles on the team, often commanding top salaries in the NFL. Today, the emphasis has shifted toward the passing game, and running backs in the league are generally among the lowest paid players. Yet in high school football, a premier running back remains indispensable, and that is especially true for the Austin Black Bears.
When head coach Jeremy Perkins took the helm at Austin in 2010, he inherited a program that had endured 13 losing seasons since its last playoff victory in 1993. Fast forward twelve winning seasons and 113 victories later, and the Black Bears have earned a reputation as one of the most respected programs in north Alabama. So what has driven that sustained success? While many factors have contributed, Austin’s recent run of elite running backs has certainly helped.
Names like Seth Lynch, Josh Walker, T.C. Lowe, Asa Martin, Antonio Robinson, Jevon Jackson, Gavin Fuqua, and Kenneth Joshua line the roster as a testament to the type of talent that has totted the rock for Austin. Last season, the search for that standout back seemed uncertain at first, but it didn’t take long to identify one. Aidan Davis, a junior who was playing competitive football for the first time since eighth grade, quickly established himself as the featured back, rushing for 1,162 yards and 11 touchdowns. Now entering his senior year with a year of experience under his belt, Davis is expected to elevate his game even further.
“Aidan is a hoss. He’s a downhill runner with great hands out of the backfield,” Perkins said. “The big thing for him is he’s still growing, still learning how to be a true running back and not just an athlete with the ball in his hands. He’s making great strides with that, and we expect great things out of him this year.” While Perkins spoke highly of Davis, he was quick to remind everyone that the position won’t be a one-man show. “He still has to compete to be the guy, though, because we have a lot of talented players around him,” Perkins noted. “Christian Gibbs played a lot last year as well as a sophomore, and he’s giving Aidan a run for his money. Landon Baker has been a Swiss Army Knife in our offense and will have some opportunities to be back there, and then a young guy in Brandon Allen has really had a good summer and will probably get some carries as well. Our positions are competitive-based. We want guys who are going to compete and do the right things to earn their position.”
Even though Davis may be the focal point, the competition among those four athletes won’t mean reduced playing time for anyone. When one back isn’t lined up in the backfield, you’ll likely see him contributing somewhere else in the offense. Perkins emphasizes a versatile approach, asking running backs to be capable not only of lining up in the backfield but also of contributing as receivers, fullbacks, and tight ends.