RUTHERFORD – Over the past 30 years, St. Mary football coach Mike Sheridan has had any number of potential star players who refused to wait for their turn in the spotlight.
Derius Stone is not one of those players.
“There are too many cases of individuals walking away from a challenge instead of waiting their turn and earning their spot,” Sheridan said. “Derius is a guy who waited two years to get the ball and never said a word.
“I never had to worry about Derius. When you have a guy like that, it’s great to watch him get his due.”
This fall, Stone has had opponents worried stiff.
On Saturday, the Gaels’ new star tailback ran 23 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-0 victory over Wood-Ridge. In two games, the senior has totaled 366 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging more than 8.7 yards a carry.
Stone is also a key part of a defense that has yet to allow a point.
“I always looked up to the other guys and loved the way they ran,” Stone said. “I tried to work as hard as them so when my turn came, I wouldn’t let my teammates down.”
Last year, Stone stood out at linebacker and strong safety while caddying for star tailback Keon Banks.
When the season ended, Sheridan said Stone’s upcoming rule was understood implicitly.
“Derius lives and breathes football,” Sheridan said. “He’s one of our hardest workers and he just loves football. He’s a special runner … a guy who can put a team on his shoulders.
“He knew the ball was going to be his.”
This season, Stone has demonstrated his rugged, elusive and weaving running style as well as his great field vision. But what makes him extra special in Sheridan’s eyes is his flat-out refusal to go down.
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