Have you ever seen a rattlesnake hunt? They use stealth and speed and strike their prey with extreme precision and force. A rattler’s prey never knew what hit em’ until it’s too late. That’s exactly what Magazines Sr High Running Back, Caleb Hyatt, does to defenders week in and week out. At 6’1 and 200lbs, senior Hyatt excels at playing ground and pound football which is something rarely seen on the field these days with spread offenses taking over the game.
Many overlook small-town players deeming them as weak due to a “lack of competition.” The Rattlers defeated 2A powerhouses such as Hackett, Hector, and routed Carlisle last season on their way to the second round of State Playoffs. But in Caleb Hyatt’s case, the numbers speak for themselves, not the competition. In the Rattlers 2018 season, Hyatt rushed for 1,328 yards averaging 6.6 yards per carry and scored an astounding 16 touchdowns. He also accounted for 14 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown in the Rattlers passing game.
Head Football Coach, Doug Powell, has been coaching this football dynamo since he was in the seventh grade. “He is goal-driven and loves challenges,” Powell says of Hyatt. “I think his best strength is his competitiveness but play wise he works hard for extra yards.” Those close to Caleb would say he is what I like to call a Super S3 Player. Someone who is overly blessed with size, speed, and strength. From the day he could pick up a football and start playing, Caleb has become as successful as he is because of his inspiring work ethic that is easily noticed by those around him. That coupled with his drive to be better than he was the day before, is what makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Caleb Hyatt started playing football when he was in the first grade. He decided to give it a shot when some of his friends signed up to play. And it’s a good thing that he did because since then, Caleb has been crushing the competition while leaving everyone in his dust. Along with football, Caleb also enjoys participating in track and spending time with his dogs and friends in his free time. After high school, Caleb has plans to attend college.
Photos provided by Lawaynea Cox