The lights flash on. The stadium roars. Running back Tadarian Ball makes a touchdown. Better known as T-Ball, the four-star running back is ranked fifth overall in the state and forty-seventh in the nation. Throughout his high school career, he has continued to make outstanding progress, as seen by fans, coaches and recruiters.
After some consideration, Ball decided to become the new running back for the University of Oregon Ducks.
“I thought it was a great fit,” athletic director and head football coach Gerry Stanford said. “Geographically, throughout the country, there are different styles of football, and I felt like the style of ball they play in the competitive nature of the league that they’re in really fits him.”
T-Ball’s commitment to Oregon caused a big surprise for many. Although expecting him to commit to the University of Texas, Ball and his coaches had a different idea.
“He’s always shown a little bit of interest in Oregon,” head running back coach Eric Sutton said. “I’ve always told him the decision is his and his family, and I just give him advice when needed.”
Many realize Oregon is far from home, but few knew that far is what he wanted.
“I chose Oregon to create my own path,” Ball said. “I know Orgeon has a great legacy of running backs, and I just want to be a part of it.”
T-Ball made a total commitment early into his junior season for good reason.
“I just really wanted to be far from home and just see [how] it feels,” Ball said. “I just feel like I had my heart set on Orgeon, and I just wanted to get it done and be over.”
No matter his decision, T-Ball’s infectious smile and hearty laugh will carry through his next two years at Texas High School.
“I think he just has a vivaciousness about life…very rarely does he not have a smile on his face,” Stanford said. “The good thing is, we still got two years, so we’re really happy to have him for those two years.”
With these two upcoming years, Ball can expand his talents and strength further.
“I expect to see him continue to grow, just as a person, [and] a running back athlete,” Sutton said. “Just see him become a better young man, that’ll make [me] more happy than anything.”
The people and coaches around him further allow him to improve and grow in the sport.
“My running back coach, Coach Sutton, and Coach Stanford have pushed me to the limit,” Ball said. “I’m just happy to have to be in this position.”
Sutton, T-ball’s immediate coach, interacts with him the most.
“Being called one of T-Ball’s biggest supporters means a lot,” Sutton said. “I’m one of his biggest critics as well, so I hold him to a high standard. I’m on him all the time, but he knows it’s all love, and I just want to see him be great.”
