Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Jelani Stafford
School: California
Sport: Football
Class: Junior
Stafford’s week: Stafford rushed for 91 yards on 13 carries and scored four touchdowns in a 42-7 victory over Carmichaels Friday that gave the Trojans control of the Tri-County South Conference and a 7-0 overall record.
The 7-0 start is the school’s best since 1949, when California defeated Dormont, 38-6, in the WPIAL Class A final.
Stafford scored on runs of 2, 6, 14 and 1 yards as California shook Carmichaels out of a tie for the conference lead with three regular-season games remaining. Stafford has 1,055 yards and his running style earned him the nickname, “Mini-Bus,” after former Steelers great Jerome Bettis.
“I hear that a lot,” he said. “He’s the only person I can think of who has the same running style as me.”
“I think Jelani is a Division I kid,” said Cal head coach Darrin Dillow.
One of the most intriguing games of Cal’s season will be played this week against perennial power Rochester. Kickoff Friday night is 7 p.m. on the Trojans artificial turf.
“This is going to be a fun week, but it’s going to be all business,” said Stafford. “We’ve beaten teams but I have to say this is one of the biggest games.”
Carrying that weight: At 6-1 and 263 pounds, Stafford is easily the largest running back in the conference and possibly the entire WPIAL. Most players that size are used as linemen but, interestingly enough, Stafford has never played on the line.
“I wasn’t always this big,” said Stafford. “I had a transition between eighth and ninth grade. I was 5-8, 165 as an eighth grader. As a ninth grader, I was 6-0, 225. I had a growth spurt and just kept going.”
As for the lineman part, Stafford readily admits he would not excel at that position.
“They tried to put me on the line for the longest time,” Stafford said. “I was terrible. You can ask Coach Dillow. I would take my scoop steps or try to pull and he would say, ‘No, you’re a running back.'”
Dillow concurred.
“That’s a big load to bring down,” said Dillow, “so there was no transition.”
The only thing that has slowed Stafford was a pelvic fracture last season that kept him out for half the season. When California installed the triple-option offense this season, it fit Stafford perfectly from his fullback position.
“Our line is not the biggest – I’m the biggest player on the team – but they are fundamentally sound,” Stafford said. “Their technique is great and they move very well. Also, we run the offense well. No team runs the offense exactly like us.”
Compiled by Joe Tuscano