2008 Woodie Awards
Myers a leader on and off the field
Matt L. Stephens
Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Sports
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A native of Riverside, Calif., just east of Los Angeles, Mike Myers is a fifth-year senior for the Rams who has been listed third on the depth chart at the running back position for the past several seasons behind Kyle Bell and Gartrell Johnson III. In 25 collegiate games played as a running back, Myers has only 66 carries for 327 yards and three touchdowns, with no touches out of the backfield so far in 2008. By far one of the most athletic players on the Rams' roster, Myers just can't seem to make his way to the top, but it isn't because of his inability to play, but rather the CSU's strength at his position.
"Mike's a great kid. I wish I could find more reps for him and playing time, but it's a logjam at the top," said Anthony Hill, CSU running backs coach. "He does everything you ask of him, a great kid, a great student, great football player, we just haven't been able to get him in the mix much."
For many, getting relatively little playing could be frustrating and cause one to consider transferring. In fact, Hill said he is very frustrated for Myers, saying he could start at a lot of programs. But Myers doesn't complain, he puts on his pads every day ready to practice and help his team.
"Of course I want to be out there playing, but I'm trying to maximize all my opportunities on kickoff return and eventually one of them is gonna break and then everyone will be happy," said Myers, who is averaging 24 yards per return this season. "I haven't returned kicks in five years, since high school, but I like it a lot. The first couple of returns were kind of sketchy, but I'm getting back into the flow of things."
Even though Myers sees limited time on the football field on Saturday's, it's what he does off the field that makes him such a role model.
He's an excellent scholar, receiving preseason academic all-Mountain West honors in 2005, and has plans of attending graduate school following his football career. He has an excellent attitude, staying positive about almost all things. And he's someone who cares about others.
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