Freshman Bottin cleans up in mop-up duty

Published 10:37 am Thursday, December 4, 2014

St. Aloysius running back Connor Bottin tosses the ball around before practice at Balzli Field. (Justin Sellers/The Vicksburg Post)

St. Aloysius running back Connor Bottin tosses the ball around before practice at Balzli Field. (Justin Sellers/The Vicksburg Post)

Connor Bottin is 150 pounds soaking wet, and that might be pretty generous.

He’s just a freshman playing on a potential state championship team behind a stable of running backs that have amassed more than 4,000 rushing yards on the year. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the 14-year-old never saw the field while he grows both physically and mentally at St. Aloysius. But Bottin does play, and coach BJ Smithhart hopes he’ll be able to see plenty of action Friday in the Class 1A state championship.

The freshman has become St. Al’s mop-up duty back, filling in for starters DeMichael Harris and company when the team builds an insurmountable lead and is trying to run out the clock. Bottin has relished in that role since he was first thrown into action against McAdams in September, rolling up 257 yards and five touchdowns in garbage time.

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“Usually it takes some time for some people to get warmed up and get comfortable,” Smithhart said. “That first game we put him in there he just kind of ran like his hair was on fire.”

Bottin’s nine carries for 20 yards against the Bulldogs were his first foray into the bright lights of varsity football. The players are faster, stronger, bigger and more imposing than at the junior high level — a lesson he’s learned all too well this season.

“I’m definitely not the fastest or the strongest, and every time I’m out there I’m usually the smallest,” Bottin said. “When I get hit, all the bigger people, they can just make fun of me and do anything and I can’t do anything about it. Once you get hit, it’s a hard hit every time.”

He’s taken some ferocious shots this season when teams keep their starters in and St. Al is playing with its backups. Yet every time, Bottin gets up and shakes it off with a huge smile plastered across his face.

“He is not really imposing to look at him. He’s just a goofy little ninth grader and he wears that proudly,” Smithhart said. “If you know him, he’s a funny guy. One of the most likeable kids you can be around.”

Bottin admits he never thought he’d actually play this year, but he’s enjoying the opportunity and has definitely made the most out of it as he racks up carries and playing time that will pay enormous dividends down the road.

Bottin has already had his share of highlights. He returned an interception 90 yards for a score against McAdams, and broke off a 45-yard TD run against Durant.

“He’s one of them guys, everybody on the team loves to watch him play in those situations because he does something you’re like, ‘That was pretty good right there,’” Smithhart said. “We hope he continues to develop and works hard and doesn’t let early success get to him.”

Smithhart called Bottin a team favorite who helps lighten the mood and ease the workload of starters who can be subbed out with him on the sideline. St. Aloysius is hoping he’ll be able to showcase his talent early and often Friday — with the game already in hand, of course.

“Some people, they’re not overly strong or fast or whatever, but together they’re just a good player,” Smithhart said. “He’s a good football player. I really think everybody is genuinely excited about him.”

Class 1A championship

St. Aloysius vs. Cathedral

When: 11 a.m. Friday

Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State University

Tickets: $13, includes admission to Friday’s Class 2A and 6A championship games

Radio: 101.3 FM

TV: WLOO-TV (Vicksburg Video Ch. 11)

Online: For live scoring updates, follow the Vicksburg Post on Twitter at twitter.com/vixpostsports