Former New England Patriots’ star Rob Gronkowski, now a studio analyst for FOX NFL Sunday, appeared on Kay Adams’ “Up and Adams” Show on Wednesday to break down game film of McLaughlin, who plays quarterback in Knox’s run-heavy offense. McLaughlin has 4,396 rushing yards this season and 11,389 yards for his career going into the Redskins’ Class 3A regional home game on Friday against Angola.
“What I really like about this kid is his lateral movement, the way he is able to see the field,” Gronkowski told Adams. “He doesn’t slow down. When he makes a cut, it is actually at full speed, which is kind of ridiculous. You don’t really see that development until someone gets into college and has proper training and then into the NFL. This guy is reckless out there. He’s making guys miss left and right and to be able to break Derrick Henry’s record is absolutely absurd. I thought that one would never be broken.”
McLaughlin, who broke the Indiana career rushing record previous held by New Palestine’s Charlie Spegal (10,867 yards), could potentially break the single-season national record of 4,704 yards set by Dominick Bragalone of South Williamsport (Pa.) in 2014. McLaughlin, averaging 366.3 rushing yards per game, needs 309 yards to break Bragalone’s mark.
Henry, the Baltimore Ravens’ star, set the high school career rushing record with 12,124 yards at Yulee (Fla.). Henry told Adams last week that he hopes McLaughlin breaks his record. Knox could play three more games if it makes the 3A state championship game, which is set for 3 p.m. on Nov. 28 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“He’s a beast,” Gronkowski said of McLaughlin. “I wish him nothing but luck and just keep doing what you’re doing, man.”
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