Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
GREENFIELD — If you’re filling a hole as a defender and see Andrew Potts coming straight at you, be advised … there’s a train coming and you’re on the tracks.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
McClain’s hard-nosed running back and unquestioned leader helped the Tigers make noise last fall at every turn, rushing for 1,421 yards on 192 carries — 7.4 per tote — alongside 15 touchdowns.
Those numbers helped him earn all-league, all-district and all-state honors. Now, he’s hoping to do more of the same while McClain looks to turn a corner.
Before Potts’ senior year commences, we had the chance to talk with him about his running style, the key to a fast start this fall, playing both sides of the football and much more.
Question: You had an incredible season, individually, last fall. What was the key to that and what was your favorite moment?
Potts: I think the biggest reason why I had the breakout season last year was because, between my sophomore and junior seasons, I really started to work on my speed and getting faster. As a team, we also switched up our offense, which really helped me evolve from a traditional fullback to more of a tailback. My favorite part of last year was when we played Northwestern. We were down [35-34] and we decided to go for the two-point conversion to take the lead. We pushed it in.
Q: You run with a purpose. I’d hate to be a defender trying to bring you down. Where’s your running style come from? When did you fall in love with the position?
P: I just try to run as hard as I can every time I get the ball. I don’t take any plays off. I fell in love with being a running back in seventh grade when there was no weight limit. I could finally run the ball.
Q: As a team, you guys were hot out of the gates last season. Then you cooled off. How do you keep a hot start going this season? What’s the key to starting fast?
P: I think the key for us starting hot early is to really get after it during two-a-days. And we have to be the most physical team week in and week out.
Q: You play both sides of the ball. What’s your favorite and why?
P: My favorite position is for sure running back because I feel like I make a bigger impact on offense than I do on defense.
Q: This is your senior year. One last go-around. What do you hope to accomplish before the season ends?
P: I think the biggest goal we have as a team is to make the playoffs. We have been one win away the last two years. So I think it means a lot to us. As for personal goals, my goal is 2,000 all-purpose yards.
Q: What can we expect to see from McClain this fall? What are your team’s goals?
P: Our goal is to win multiple FAC games. Our league is tough, but I feel like our team has high potential if we stay healthy.
SPONSORED BY ROMAN FAMILY HEALTHCARE
