By Stephen Cooney

Momentum is a dangerous weapon during a football game. Momentum can either fill a huddle with energy or it can take the wind out of a team’s sails. Momentum creates an attitude. The attitude reflects a teams confidence or lack of confidence. Nothing creates more momentum or shifts momentum faster than a big play and there is no bigger play than a touchdown.

This season, the Hofstra Pride has seen no one score more touchdowns, and subsequently change more games than tailback Kareem Huggins. Huggins has scored ten times in the first six games with five of these scores coming on plays if 55 yards or more. Huggins has an understanding of momentum and attitude that are only highlighted by his big play ability. However, Huggin differs from other play makers because he creates big plays for his team, creating these momentum changing scores in two forms, kickoff returns and rushing plays.

Coming off of a career high rushing game against Towson, Huggins was prouder of the momentum he gave the team than his individual success. “The record a career day is more individual.” Huggins said. “Kickoff returns create more momentum for my team. I like being that guy.”

The guy that Huggins likes to be is a team guy. Huggins is a team guy that believes in the success of his team and the importance of attitude. “My mind-set is to be a bully on the field.” is how Huggins explains his own on field attitude, but his off the field demeanor is humble. Huggins is a team oriented player and never quick to place success on himself.

Huggins may see himself as a bully on the field but to his teammates he is a humble family man.

“We play for each other.” Huggins said. “We put a lot of work into this. We stay up here in the summer coming together as a family. We are a very close group. That has a lot to do with winning.”

Huggins credited the offensive line, the defense, the coaches, and everyone else on the pride roster for his own success. His success has helped the pride move to 6-0 on the season but his leadership and commitment to team are what will help carry on the success.

“You need everyone’s help.” Huggins said. “I can’t do everything by myself.”

Huggins emphasized the idea of the team being a family and needing everyone in order to succeed. “I talk to the defense. I tell them we (the offense) need the ball back.” Huggins said. “When they get us the ball, they tell me they need points. We try to deliver points. Everyone has each others backs.”

“I feel like I have worked hard enough to make the big play, but I make them for my team.” Huggins said. “It just feels good to get the win.”

Pride tailback Kareem Huggins (Kyle Martel)