SUPER 24 FOOTBALL TEAM: THE BIG PICTURE
Wells will bulk up to get to the big-time
By CHASE GOODBREAD, The Times-Union
Maurice Wells hears it, but no rule says he must listen.
The Sandalwood football star did about everything in his power to show major college programs that he belongs on the biggest of stages. And with nearly 6,000 career rushing yards in only 2 1/2 seasons as a starter, the running back performed well enough to draw scholarship offers from Ohio State, Southern Cal and several other schools whose stages are among college football's most grand.
But still, he hears it: Too small.
Now at 185 pounds, 10 pounds heavier than his playing weight as a junior, there are those who question whether Wells will be able to handle the punishment of major conference college football. Defensive back, detractors say, could be his brightest future.
"I don't want to play defensive back," said Wells, the Times-Union's 2004 Super 24 Player of the Year. "All the schools that recruited me said they wanted me as a running back from the beginning. So, you know, if they believe I can do it, why shouldn't I?"
And based strictly on performance, why shouldn't they?
As a junior, Wells broke area records for rushing yards in a season (3,075) and in a game (429). This season, he shook off a hip pointer injury to rush for 1,836 yards, and his blistering speed allowed him to rip off 200-yard games more than half of his career starts. But with his quickness and change-of-direction skills being more impressive than his tackle-breaking skills, some recruiters are convinced he could reach college stardom sooner from the cornerback position.
"At the end of the day, I think he's a corner," said one college coach, who required anonymity under NCAA rules that prohibit public commenting on recruits. "And a real good one -- especially if he goes into the Big Ten. He's a heck of a running back, and if he gets into a system where they like to spread out and get their running backs in open space, he'll be dangerous. But in the Big Ten, it's all lead, power, iso[lation plays], and you'd better be ready to slam it into a 3-yard hole against some big players. They don't want you dancing around looking for a 50-yard hole in that league."
Mention of the Big Ten style was a clear reference to Ohio State, which is among the most serious contenders for Wells' signature. Wells, for his part, remains fearless.
"Coach [Jim] Tressel was in my house the other night," Wells said. "He wouldn't come all this way if I couldn't do the job for him. Whether you weigh 190 or 230, if the holes are there, you'll get the yards, and if they're not, you're going to struggle."
Wells said his offseason will be spent much as his last offseason was: lifting weights, taking supplements and doing the things that helped him go from 175 to 185. He bench presses well over 300 pounds and can outlift much larger Saints teammates in workouts. He believes 200 pounds is a good goal, but will not be discouraged if he doesn't reach it.
"I think 200 is about right for me. My dad was 260, so it shouldn't be a problem," Wells said. "But if it takes being in a college program a year or two to get that heavy, that's fine. I think I can play at any weight."
Saints coach Adam Geis has no doubts Wells can succeed whichever college he chooses, but acknowledged that certain schemes suit smaller backs better than others.
"Wherever he could go that would find a way to get his speed out on the outside, or running draw plays, that's where he could be deadly right away," Geis said. "Definitely, most of the Big Ten backs weigh 220. But he can be good in any system. One might just take more of an adjustment than another."
