Rashed runs with rushing role

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Jefferson's Tavian Rashed possesses exceptional skills as a running back.

His 5-foot-7, 160-pound frame can cover 40 yards in 4.66 seconds and he has strong instincts to find running lanes. Rashed's start, however, was as a lineman for his Metro Youth Football Association team before switching to the backfield at Roosevelt Middle School.

'It made me stronger,” Rashed said. 'I understand how the line moves. It probably helps with my patience.”

Rashed, just a sophomore, will step in as the J-Hawks starting running back for the season opener Friday night against crosstown rival and fifth-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington at Kingston Stadium, starting at 7:15 p.m.

Jefferson Coach Brian Webb has come to expect Rashed to rise to the occasion.

'With him, the more pressure is on him the more he rises,” said Webb, noting Rashed's freshman wrestling season where he was a win from being a state medalist. 'He's phenomenal.”

Rashed hasn't shied away from the position and has embraced role of possibly carrying the rushing load for the J-Hawks. An excitement surrounds his varsity debut.

'I feel good. I feel confident,” Rashed said. 'I believe in our line.”

Webb said Rashed is one of the fastest players on the team, competing for Jefferson's track team last spring. He also displays a knack for letting the play develop and taking advantage of what the defense allows, which is just as important.

'He does things you can't teach,” Webb said. 'When someone is pulling, he has that patience to slow down, almost puts his hand on the back of the blocker. He's low to the ground and hard to see. All of a sudden he sees a hole and he slips out. He's gone.”

The moves come naturally to Rashed. He follows his guards and the blocking schemes - which he learned during his first youth football season - and surveying the field.

'You have to keep your eyes up,” Rashed said. 'You have to keep moving. Our line opens up the holes. Whenever you see it, you have to take it.”

The varsity level has demanded some adjustment. Rashed has had to learn new and more complex coverages and the responsibilities of his teammates during a play. He has adapted well.

'It's more fast-paced,” said Rashed, who also will start at linebacker. 'There is a lot more you need to know.”

Webb praised Rashed for his attitude for the aspects away from the game. He grasps the offensive and defensive concepts, immediately addressing any mistakes the coaches mention.

'He's an incredible talent,” Webb said. 'More importantly, is his work ethic. He is in that early-morning lifting group. He is so dedicated to what we do at Jefferson.”

Webb said Rashed is one of the most committed athletes at Jefferson, sharing his abilities in football, wrestling and track. Webb added that he is a rare talent with the potential for a fine career. It begins against Washington.

'He is fun to be around. He has a lot of energy and passion,” Webb said. 'He's got a bright future, I'm sure. I'm glad we have three more years out of him.”

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