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Hurricanes' defense likes to see Kruis on the attack

The unit's player of the year has picked up where he left off last season.

By DAWN REISS
Published September 2, 2005

INVERNESS - Junior Patrick Kruis knows one speed: overdrive.

"He's the kind of kid who always has his motor on," Citrus coach Rik Haines said. "He always tries to make something good happen."

Last season, the Hurricanes selected Kruis defensive player of the year and most improved.

Why? Because he posted a school-record 12 sacks and logged 38 tackles.

Kruis is a third-year starter who was pivotal in a quarterfinal win last season, posting three sacks and four tackles to help Citrus to its first playoff victory in 30 years.

"He got better every game," Haines said. "He wasn't very good the first game, but he became more coachable and improved."

The weak-side defensive end is on track to record strong defensive numbers this year, picking up a sack in a preseason loss to Hudson and producing 21/2 more in last week's 40-12 loss to Kissimmee St. Cloud.

For as much as he does on defense, Kruis, 17, is learning to accept his role as a tailback. As a freshman, he scored on a 54-yard fake punt in a close game against Wesley Chapel.

"I just kept my legs pumping," Kruis said. "There was a wide-open crease on the left. I was dragging people in the end zone. It's something I'll never forget. I was just shocked. Freshmen don't usually do this, and all the seniors came over high-fiving me."

"Kruis is cruisin' " was heard on the field.

But last year, he saw limited time on offense.

"It was heartbreaking," Kruis said. "I love to run the ball."

Haines said Kruis just wasn't as good as the other backs - 2005 graduates R.J. Cobb and Willie Miller, who play for NCAA Division III Muskingum College and Anderson University, respectively.

Kruis acknowledges he's not the top back this season. That spot is reserved for freshman Antoin Scrivens, with the second slot held by junior Jeremy Welfel. It's something Kruis has learned to accept, even if he doesn't like it. "I know my role," he said.

Last week, Kruis filled the void against St. Cloud. "I kept telling coach, "Put me in, put me in,' " Kruis said. "I just knew if I got the ball, I could score in the red zone."

After going in for an early short series, he capped an eight-play fourth-quarter drive by bruising in for a 2-yard touchdown. "I'd rather hit someone than put the moves on somebody," Kruis said. "I'm not the type to get out of a hit by going around them. If you want to hit me, come hit me."

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