With fellow running back Quaylen Dobbs scoring a program-record 23 touchdowns last fall, Goode’s Aedan Cleveland might have been a little overlooked.
That’s even though Cleveland was the Knights’ rushing leader with 1,048 yards,
But Dobbs has graduated and now Cleveland is the clear No. 1 back for the Knights. The rising senior ready to embrace that role, even as he notes the Knights have other impact players.
“With me being a lead guy, it gives my teammates to get open on certain plays and for them to get their shot, too,” Cleveland said during a break in practice earlier this month. “Because it’s not just a one-person game, it’s a team game.”
The Knights also return rising junior quarterback Jordan Boston from a 7-3 team that reached the IHSA Class 6A playoffs.
They’ll be operating behind a veteran line anchored by 5-9, 325-pound rising senior Ryan Ogburn, who has a Lake Forest offer. Also back are 5-9, 280-pound Trenell Clark, 5-11, 265-pound Elijah Hitchcock and 5-7, 225-pound Daniel Pacheco.
Cleveland especially likes following Ogburn’s blocks.
“It’s the best,” Cleveland said. “Every time I run behind him, it’s either a touchdown or a big gain, I promise.”
Goode coach Terrence McClarn likes the growth he’s seen in his top back since last season. For one thing, Cleveland — a sprinter on the Knights track team — has cut his 40-yard dash time down to 4.5 seconds.
Also, McClarn said, “he got himself a little bigger and stronger to make sure he stays healthy for the season.”
It’s been a solid progression for Cleveland, a 5-11, 160-pounder who didn’t play organized football before high school.
“I had to get used to it,” Cleveland said. “At first, I was a little bit nervous. And then once (I was) in my sophomore year, I had my chances to start on varsity … and I did what I could to get us in great situations.”
Now he’s on a Goode team that has moved up to a second-tier Red conference from a top-tier White conference in this year’s Public League realignment. One of the practical effects of the change is that — besides being in the mix for another state postseason bid — the Knights can qualify for the Public League playoffs.
“It means a lot to us,” Cleveland said. “Because even if we do not do great in (the) state (playoffs), we still have a chance if we win conference to make it in the city and get a plaque for the trophy case.”