You have seen Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush do amazing things in his crimson-and-gold Trojan
uniform but what about his high school exploits?
Bush, who attended Helix High School near San Diego (Ca.), was "truly a human-highlight film,"
according to Helix Athletic Director Damon Chase.
The video is reputed to be the same one that made USC head coach Pete Carroll salivate at the
notion of recruiting Bush. The moves, the spins, the broken tackles provide a glimpse of what
San Diego-area prep teams had to face during Bush's three-year varsity career at Helix. It
also presages the incredible quickness, speed and moves that have helped lead the Trojans to
34 consecutive wins and earn the Heisman Trophy for their star junior running back.
Bush at Helix
Bush is in the tradition of great running backs that have either grown up in the
San Diego area or come to make it their home: Marcus Allen, Rashaan Salaam, Ricky Williams,
Marshall Faulk, Terrell Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson.
Bush's high school exploits were remarkable. As a sophomore in 2000, Bush was a
Cal-Hi Sports All-State First Team selection.
During his junior season in 2001, Bush rushed for 2,200-plus yards, averaged 36.4 yards
per rushing touchdown, scored 204 points (34 touchdowns, including six on receptions
and two on punt returns) and had 3,135 all-purpose yards.
As a senior, in spite of missing four games with a broken wrist, Bush sprinted and
eluded tacklers for 1,691 yards on 140 carries (12.1 avg.) and scored 27 touchdowns
during the 2002 season.
Overall, Bush totaled 4,925 yards and scored 450 points during his stellar prep
career at Helix. The Helix Highlanders won two CIF-San Diego Section Division 2
championships and compiled a 36-3 record over that span.
Bush was a multi-sport letterman. He also competed in track, where he notched
impressive times. He placed third his senior year in the 100-meter final during
the State CIF Track and Field Championships.
Photos by Kirby Lee
