kaorder1999
08-21-2006, 10:01 AM
Built Ram Tough - Ex-Forney QB Hanie steps into lead role at CSU
By Cliff Gibson: sports@terrelltribune.com
No more second fiddle.
After two years of playing wingman at Colorado State University, ex-Forney standout Caleb Hanie will be sitting in the driver's seat and directing the Rams spread offense this fall.
The promotion shouldn't surprise those who know him and it comes as no surprise to his high school coach, Forney's Kevin Rush.
“He has a desire and passion that is hard to find,” Rush said. “He's a hard-working student of the game so it doesn't surprise me a bit that he'll be starting.”
In his first two seasons at Colorado State, Hanie saw action in 13 games and started most of those as the top signal-callers went down with injuries. He enters his junior year with 125 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 48 carries to go with 1,455 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
He should surpass those numbers easily this year.
“He's always going full speed and never accepts defeat,” Rush said. “He's a terrific leader. They've got a fantastic player and person up in Colorado.”
Hanie showed a knack for big performances while leading Forney to three straight district titles from 2001-2003. As a sophomore, Hanie split time at quarterback and helped the Rabbits to an 11-1 record.
As a full-time starter in his junior season, Forney went 12-2 and advanced to the state quarterfinals. It was during that playoff run that Rush knew he had a special player.
“We were playing Carthage in the area playoffs and we were down 6-3 in the fourth quarter,” Rush said. “Hanie went back to throw and shook off a defender while throwing the ball downfield and we won 10-6.”
In his senior year, Hanie made an even better name for himself, throwing 28 touchdown passes versus three interceptions while leading Forney to an 11-2 record and another deep playoff run. Hanie was named Most Valuable Player in the district and also earned an all-state nod.
Even after two years of Division I football, Hanie hasn't forgotten where he came from, often returning to Forney to help with the high school kids there.
“He'll come to the weight room and lift sometimes,” Rush said. “He helps our quarterbacks and gives insight to the players. He's just a fantastic person to have around.”
Rush expects Hanie to be a terrific leader for kids after his career is over.
“He's got this fire inside that made him fun to coach,” Rush said. “He'll definitely make a terrific coach someday.”
Hanie might travel down the coaching road in the future, but for now he's got some business to take care of. On Sept. 2, look for No. 16 to make his mark and send a message of things to come.
http://www.terrelltribune.com/content/articles/2006/08/20/sports//photo.jpg
By Cliff Gibson: sports@terrelltribune.com
No more second fiddle.
After two years of playing wingman at Colorado State University, ex-Forney standout Caleb Hanie will be sitting in the driver's seat and directing the Rams spread offense this fall.
The promotion shouldn't surprise those who know him and it comes as no surprise to his high school coach, Forney's Kevin Rush.
“He has a desire and passion that is hard to find,” Rush said. “He's a hard-working student of the game so it doesn't surprise me a bit that he'll be starting.”
In his first two seasons at Colorado State, Hanie saw action in 13 games and started most of those as the top signal-callers went down with injuries. He enters his junior year with 125 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 48 carries to go with 1,455 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
He should surpass those numbers easily this year.
“He's always going full speed and never accepts defeat,” Rush said. “He's a terrific leader. They've got a fantastic player and person up in Colorado.”
Hanie showed a knack for big performances while leading Forney to three straight district titles from 2001-2003. As a sophomore, Hanie split time at quarterback and helped the Rabbits to an 11-1 record.
As a full-time starter in his junior season, Forney went 12-2 and advanced to the state quarterfinals. It was during that playoff run that Rush knew he had a special player.
“We were playing Carthage in the area playoffs and we were down 6-3 in the fourth quarter,” Rush said. “Hanie went back to throw and shook off a defender while throwing the ball downfield and we won 10-6.”
In his senior year, Hanie made an even better name for himself, throwing 28 touchdown passes versus three interceptions while leading Forney to an 11-2 record and another deep playoff run. Hanie was named Most Valuable Player in the district and also earned an all-state nod.
Even after two years of Division I football, Hanie hasn't forgotten where he came from, often returning to Forney to help with the high school kids there.
“He'll come to the weight room and lift sometimes,” Rush said. “He helps our quarterbacks and gives insight to the players. He's just a fantastic person to have around.”
Rush expects Hanie to be a terrific leader for kids after his career is over.
“He's got this fire inside that made him fun to coach,” Rush said. “He'll definitely make a terrific coach someday.”
Hanie might travel down the coaching road in the future, but for now he's got some business to take care of. On Sept. 2, look for No. 16 to make his mark and send a message of things to come.
http://www.terrelltribune.com/content/articles/2006/08/20/sports//photo.jpg