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Crystal River fullback Rolph gets opportunity, runs with it

By RICHARD BURTON
Published September 2, 2005

CRYSTAL RIVER - Entering the season, Crystal River junior fullback Justin Rolph didn't know his role. After spending several months recovering from a broken leg, the 5-foot-8, 155-pounder figured he'd be used a variety of ways for the Pirates.

However, Rolph quickly made his mark in the team's preseason classic and regular-season opener. That has allowed him to earn a starting spot in the backfield.

"I thought I'd be used all-around," Rolph said. "But they just started giving it to me a lot."

After watching Crystal River lose yards on its first five plays against Williston in the classic, Pirates coach Craig Frederick inserted Rolph, who produced a simple 5-yard gain.

On the next series, he delivered for 23 yards on three carries, including an impressive 15-yard burst against the speedy Red Devils. He finished with 53 yards and the first-team offense's only touchdown in a 34-18 loss.

"He's a sparkplug," Frederick said. "He really wants the ball and has done everything that we have asked him to do."

Getting to where he now is hasn't been easy for Rolph.

He played youth ball for seven years but decided against coming out for the high school squad as a freshman in the fall of 2003. That spring, he joined the Pirates and made an impact as a cornerback.

Rolph played three varsity games last season but was moved back to the junior varsity. He broke his leg and missed the rest of the season.

Unable to use his legs, Rolph worked hard on his upper body and improved his bench press to 245 pounds. Then when his lower body was healed, he dropped his 40-yard dash time to 4.8 seconds and bettered his squat to 315 pounds.

"I always wanted to be the starting fullback," Rolph said. "I've worked real hard, and I try to run as hard as I can."

When practice and games are over, he doesn't stop running. Rolph puts in four miles on the weekend, plus lifts weights to stay one step ahead of the competition.

"He's come out in the fall and is just a step quicker than everyone else," Frederick said. "He's really stepped it up."

Last Friday on his first carry, Rolph broke free against a physical Belleview defense for a 33-yard gain.

"He really hits it up quick in the middle and is a key for us when we try and do that," Frederick said. "He's not real big, and we need to keep him healthy."

Rolph ended the night with 63 yards on 14 attempts in a 63-0 loss to the Rattlers. He tied with Joe Bertine by accounting for three of Crystal River's 12 first downs.

"I want to gain as many yards as I can," Rolph said, "and score as many touchdowns as I can and help the team do better than last year."

[Last modified September 2, 2005, 02:15:35]