Green Bay Packers running back Tony Fisher joined that elite class in 1997. He joined Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett and Penn State great Curtis Enis. In 2005, another name was added to the list: Delone Carter.

‘It’s the biggest award you could possibly win in the state of Ohio,’ Fisher said, ‘and it speaks volumes when you win that award, because basically you join the elite class.’

That award is Ohio’s Mr. Football.

Carter will run his way to Syracuse this fall following 5,344 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns in two years at Copley High School in Copley, Ohio. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back brings with him the most recent Mr. Football distinction, Ohio’s Division II Offensive Player of the Year trophy and the 2005 Greater Cleveland Outstanding High School Athlete Award.

‘He’s almost embarrassed by it,’ Copley head coach Dan Boarman said. ‘He’s a very humble young man. He gets embarrassed by all the awards.’

Embarrassed or not, the accolades haven’t always come easy to Carter. Robert White, Carter’s stepfather, said he’s always thought Carter hasn’t received the accolades he deserves. In fact, even after he became Mr. Football, it was Ohio State recruit Chris Wells, not Carter, who was in the All-America game. White called it a slap in the face, but said it just made him work harder.

‘Oh yes,’ White said. ‘It drives him a lot more. Those are the types of things he’s been experiencing since Pee Wee football … If they don’t open the door for you, kick it down.’

Kick down the door he did. Carter scored 49 touchdowns during his final year in high school, according to Boarman, not because he was put in situations to score, but because he has a hunger for the end zone and will find ways to reach that mark. Because of that craving, Boarman would not guarantee wins, but he guaranteed the hardest worker the Salt City has ever seen.

Carter’s work ethic permeates beyond proving people wrong – it’s just part of who he is. Boarman cited Carter’s biggest attribute as his attitude, again emphasizing that even with all his God-given ability, Carter works harder than anybody he’s ever known. The coach pointed to his player’s upbringing.

‘My wife (April Carter-White) and I just pushed him to do the best he can do at whatever you’re doing,’ White said.

He continued to say that mentality applies not just in football, but in his education and life.

But as hard as he works and as driven as he is, Carter shrinks back from the limelight. White said Carter loves the fact that he’s recognized, but he would rather not talk about it.

His attitude is something that will serve Carter well at SU. His winnings are nice, but college is a whole new game.

‘Everybody is an all-star,’ Fisher said, who fell into a running back by committee at Notre Dame. ‘Unfortunately, (Mr. Football) doesn’t hold the same leverage.’

Orange running backs coach Desmond Robinson agreed.

‘Mr. Football is something from Ohio,’ Robinson said. ‘Unfortunately, the beauty of college is that when you get here everything starts over from day one and you gotta prove yourself.’

Carter recognizes the challenge, too, and Boarman knows his back is ready for it. He said Carter realizes the next level isn’t all about physical gifts but the mental aspects as well.

‘He’s a leader,’ Boarman said. ‘The notoriety, the stardom has not gone to his head at all whatsoever. It’s actually spurred him on, because he understands the next level is going to be different.’

Fisher said one of the biggest pressures associated with becoming Ohio’s Mr. Football is to play at Ohio State. Clearly, Carter didn’t succumb to such demands and chose Syracuse, in part, because of its running back tradition. According to White, the team had wanted his son to don No. 4 next season as something of a tribute to the recently retired No. 44, worn by SU legends Jim Brown, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis.

‘Syracuse told me they had faith in me from the beginning,’ Carter said. ‘They constantly contacted me and showed that they really wanted me.’

Oh, and Carter’s uniform will read his usual No. 3 next season.

Something else drew Mr. Football to Central New York – the Carrier Dome. Carter and his family visited campus for the SU-South Florida game this past season, and Carter liked the crowd, the noise, the fan support and the atmosphere the cement tent provides.

‘Yeah. I can get used to this,’ White said of his son’s reaction. ‘I can like this.’

Carter still has to deal with the expectations attached to Ohio’s Mr. Football. It’s a pressure many recipients have fallen victim to, giving some the belief the honor is really a curse. But Carter shrugs it off.

‘I play my own game,’ Carter said. ‘I let all the haters worry about that … I try not to look at it that way. I have to believe I can do what I can do.’

Unlike a handful of recruits, the incoming freshman will not be in spring ball, but when he arrives with most freshmen in August, he’ll receive his chance, even though incumbent backup Kareem Jones didn’t seem too worried about the high schooler.

‘He’ll get an opportunity in fall camp just like Curtis (Brinkley) did last year,’ Orange head coach Greg Robinson said. ‘But the focus is on the guys that are here now, but come fall camp, Delone will get his chance.’

The key to success for Carter? Staying focused, and that comes from a man who knows.

‘You always gotta keep your calm and a cool head about everything,’ Fisher said, ‘and just stay focused and come in there ready to work and know that the award’s not gonna be everything that gets you where you’re gonna go.’

Published on March 28, 2006 at 12:00 pm