By Tim Baysinger

It may have taken four years, but senior running back Kareem Huggins is finally giving the Pride the running game they have been lacking for years.

“I knew he always had the talent, it was just a matter of utilizing his abilities better and putting it together,” head coach Dave Cohen said.

Huggins has 350 yards in three games this season and three touchdowns.  That is an average of 106 yards per game and 4 yards per carry.  Last season Huggins had 601 yards rushing for only 52 yards per game.

Huggins credits most of his success to the hard work he put in over the off season.  “I wanted to separate myself from the rest of the pack. All summer I worked hard with my teammates to prepare myself,” Huggins said.

Huggins also gives a lot of credit to his offensive line that has opened up numerous holes for him to run through.  “Those guys are awesome, they do an excellent job blocking, they worked extremely hard this off season,” Huggins said.

Huggins rushing attack has helped take some of the strain off of new quarterback Brian Savage who is in his first season as a starting quarterback.  “Kareem has been great, he is a good leader and every time he touches the ball it could be a big play,” Savage said.  The Pride offense is averaging 32 points a game.

This season feels especially good for Huggins, who had to endure last years’ 2-9 campaign.  “It feels so great to be 3-0; no one likes to lose,” Huggins said.

Sports Network’s FCS College Football Poll
1.    Montana
2.     Massachusetts
3.     Northern Iowa
4.    North Dakota State
5.     Appalachian State
6.    McNeese State
7.    Southern Illinois
8.    Wofford
9.    James Madison
10.     Youngstown State
11.    New Hampshire
12.    Delaware
13.    Hampton
14.    Pride
15.    Sam Houston State
16.    Illinois State
17.    Western Illinois
18.    Montana State
19.    Eastern Illinois
20.    Furman
21.    Eastern Washington
22.    Yale
23.    Nicholls State
24.    Elon
25.    Richmond

CCA and AFCA’s FCS Coaches Top-25 Poll
1.    Montana
2.    Massachusetts
3.    North Dakota State
4.    Northern Iowa
5.    Appalachian State
6.    Southern Illinois
7.     McNeese State
8.    Wofford
9.     James Madison
10.     Youngstown State
11.    New Hampshire
12.    Delaware
13.    Hampton
14.    Pride
15.    Sam Houston State
16.    Illinois State
17.    Montana State
17.    Western Illinois
19.    Furman
20.     Yale
21.    Eastern Illinois
22.    Nicholls State
23.    Eastern Washington
24.    Cal Poly
25.    Richmond