The plan wasn’t for Prince Johnson to be Hubbard’s lead running back this season.
But with Greyhounds starter Jaquan Puckett missing two early games with injuries, Johnson has embraced the opportunity for more reps.
The junior has nine touchdowns through three games, including a 33-yard scoring run in a 22-12 loss to Muchin on Sept. 3 at Lane Stadium.
Johnson scored five touchdowns in a Week 1 win against Bogan and three more the next week against Chicago Military. He had 18 carries for 103 yards vs. Muchin.
It’s been an impressive return to action for someone who played football as a freshman but wasn’t on the team last season.
“So that’s part of the learning,” Hubbard coach Aaron Boelter said. “We’re trying to get a fast learning curve on him.
“He’ll be back next year and so will the other tailback (Puckett). We’re going to be more experienced next year. We’re losing a little bit on the line but not much.”
The touchdowns aside, Johnson believes he has room for improvement.
“I feel like I’ve been doing good,” he said. “I could try to do better and hit the holes more.”
After a year away from the game, what areas did he focus on to be better?
“My agility, my speed because I want to get faster,” he said.
He also has worked to get stronger to be able to run inside more: “My coach always complains that I keep bouncing outside.”
Hubbard also had a 1-yard TD run by junior Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 22-12, but Muchin (2-1) was able to run out the clock.
“We got two big wins (to start the season) and I think their heads got a little big,” Boelter said. “… Once they buy in, we’ll be OK.
“And then we’re a little banged up too. So there’s some kids that are not playing, some of my starters are missing.”