Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 2, 1995 TAG: 9511020036
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
And in a year of improved performance for the Colonels, Miller's rookie season has been made a bit easier by the offensive production of sophomore tailback Lee Suggs.
``He's one of the best attitude and talented kids we've had here at the running back spot,'' said running backs coach Roland Lovelace, who has been a Fleming assistant coach for 15 years.
Suggs probably has been the biggest individual surprise in Timesland football this season.
The 6-foot, 180-pound 10th-grader was Timesland's rushing leader (169.6 yards per game) going into the Cave Spring game last weekend. Suggs has scored seven touchdowns and has run for more than 150 yards in a game three times.
However, none of this seems to overwhelm Suggs.
``I just go out there and play,'' Suggs said. ``I work hard at practice and follow my blocks.''
Maybe he is more impressed by the fact that he didn't earn the position until the second game of the season.
``I'm not surprised,'' Lee Suggs Sr. said of his son's success. ``I felt if he was given a chance, he would excel.''
Excel has been an understatement for Suggs, who began the season primarily as a defensive end.
In the Colonels' season-opening loss to Heritage, Suggs carried the ball four times for minus four yards. But a week later against Petersburg, fans probably thought they were looking at a different person wearing jersey No. 22.
Suggs ran for a season-high 196 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over the Crimson Wave. His touchdowns came on runs of 90 and 25 yards. Miller, however, is not surprised by Suggs' production.
``First of all, he has all the necessary tools - speed, size, good hands and he's highly coachable,'' Miller said. ``He has an excellent work ethic. He's encouraged in the household to be the best in everything he does.''
The youngest of two children, Suggs has helped turn around a Colonels team that went 1-9 last season under Sherley Stuart. Two of the Colonels' (3-5 overall, 0-2 Roanoke Valley District) losses this year have been by a combined six points.
``I knew we were going to be a lot better because of coach Miller and the experience,'' Suggs said.
According to coaches and teammates, Suggs is very low-key when his accomplishments are the topic of conversation. He's always willing to give credit to his teammates and coaches, and turns the spotlight away from himself.
``A lot of young guys today are egotistical,'' Lovelace said. ``He's not like that. He just goes out and gets the job done.''
Suggs' unselfish ways come from the guidance of his father and mother Juanita.
``We have been working with him for a long time,'' Suggs' father said. ``We insist for him to keep his feet on the ground, be level-headed and give credit to his teammates and God for his abilities.''
Sometimes, the tailback is so quiet that people aren't aware of his presence.
``You would not know he was in the room unless you saw him,'' Miller said.
While Suggs is fast to share his success with his teammates, they are equally quick to acknowledge his talents.
``It feels good to me,'' said junior quarterback Charles Burnette, who was converted from wide receiver. ``It takes pressure off of me from throwing the ball.''
Suggs, who said he hasn't been timed in the 40, has created the most problem for opponents when he gets to the offensive line without being touched.
``I just see open running space and I just go,'' he said.
His 90-yard touchdown run against Petersburg is a testament to how quick he is. He gets a lot of practice running during the off-season.
He is on the indoor and outdoor track teams and to no surprise, sprints are his specialty.
Suggs participates in the 100, 200, 400 and 400-meter relay events.
Probably the most comforting fact of Miller's first season is knowing he has Suggs around for two more years.
``We expect big things from him'' in the future, Miller said. ``As long as he works hard in the off-season, we feel he will continue to improve.''
CORRECTION
A story in last Thursday's Neighbors High School Sports section incorrectly stated that Robert Pauley won the Blue Ridge District cross country title last year. Stuart Bray of Northside won the Blue Ridge race and Pauley won the Metro.
by CNB