Cheraw’s Small set for his senior year

CHERAW - In preparing for his senior year, Cheraw running back Travis Small kept things pretty much the same this offseason.

“I really didn’t do anything different training-wise,” Small said. “I just do the normal things, try to stay in shape and then turn it on when the season starts.”

And if his track record is any indication, that spells bad news for opposing defenses.

Small burst onto the scene four years ago as a true freshman by replacing an injured Chris Massey in the starting lineup and has been a key reason Cheraw has won back-to-back Class 2A titles.

His numbers speak for themselves — 5,589 rushing yards, 66 touchdowns and a 7.5 yards-per-carry average. and two state championship rings.

And for the second year in a row, Small has been named the Morning News Preseason Player of the Year.

But there’s still more for him to accomplish, Small said.

The Braves’ junior running back rushed for 1,964 yards last season, capped off by a 164-yard, two-touchdown performance in 58-14 win over Chapman in the state championship game.

Small has played in the big game every year of his high school career, and doesn’t expect that trend to end this year.

“The biggest thing is obviously just going back out there and trying to win another state championship,” Small said. “There’s always a lot of pressure trying to make it back to a title game, especially when you’ve been there so many years like we have, but I feel like we have the ability to do it again.

“As a senior, I’m hoping to be a little more of a leader and show the younger guys how we do things around here, and what it takes to make it to Clemson.”

As for his on-field performance, Small’s goals remain the same — with a little twist.

“Cheraw’s always been known for the running game, and it’s a big part of what we do,” Small said. “I’ve spent the summer just working in the weight room and trying to get a little stronger and faster.

“I want to be able to take over games this season, but also add a little punishment at the end, hopefully.”

“Travis is a great running back,” Cheraw coach Johnny White said. “He has great speed and vision and is a tremendous threat every time he touches the ball.”

Despite racking up 52 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards as a starter in two seasons, Small hasn’t been getting many looks by by Division I schools.
That’s something that Small plans to use as motiviation in his final season.

“I have a bunch of offers from Division II schools, which is good,” Small said. “But I guess I don’t feel like I have the Division I offers I should.

“It’s mainly just going to come down to being patient and playing the game the way I know how. I just have to go out there and prove myself again.”