Georgia: Freeman hopes big numbers get big notice

Most high school seniors in Terryl Freeman’s shoes would be living the dream.

The reigning Times Free Press All-North Georgia Offensive Player of the Year is coming off a season in which he rushed for 2,051 yards, scored 22 touchdowns and established himself as one of the top running backs in the history of northwest Georgia football.

Yet, despite the numbers, the Ridgeland star is circling under the college-recruiting radar, something Freeman will use for motivation this year.

“I guess 2,000 yards were not enough for some people,” he said. “But that’s all right. I kind of like being the underdog and proving people wrong. I just have to keep doing it, and it will work out. You’re going to see me on Saturdays, no matter what it takes.”

As part of a high-powered Ridgeland offense that also includes highly recruited receiver Mike Bowman and three-year starting quarterback Carlan Bowman, the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Freeman will get plenty of opportunities to make people take notice.

“To me, Terryl has nothing to prove,” said Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis, who noted that Ole Miss, Middle Tennessee State, Western Kentucky and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have shown the most interest. “He’s been a great runner from the day he stepped onto the field. The thing is, he’s the kind of a player who always thinks he can play better. He’s never satisfied. As far as recruiting, his height I guess is a factor, but once you see him play, it doesn’t matter.

“I mean, because we took him out of games where we had big leads, he really only played eight-and-a-half games to get those 2,000 yards.”

Freeman’s goals for next season are personal are even bigger.

“I’d like to get 2,500 yards and 40 touchdowns,” he said, sharing a devilish grin.

Numbers that surely would get him notived.