It took just two carries on Friday for
Charlie Spegal to become Indiana's new career rushing king.
The powerfully built 5-foot-10, 225-pound
New Palestine (Ind.) senior needed just 12 yards against Yorktown to break the career mark of 8,110 set by
Sammy Mireles of Elwood from 2010-13.
In the team's home opener on its opening drive, Spegal went up the middle on third down for a 10-yard gain to surpass Mireles. On the next play, quarterback Lincoln Roth completed a 51-yard scoring toss to Ryker Large to put New Palestine up 7-0 with 10 minutes, 27 seconds left in the first quarter.
Video: Charlie Spegal highlightsWatch Indiana's new rushing king during record-breaking junior season.
After the carry that pushed him over the top, the game was stopped, he was handed the game ball, and received a long ovation from his hometown fans. The man that handed him the ball: Mireles.
As usual, Spegal was just getting started as he finished with 184 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a 55-19 victory. He now has 8,283 career rushing yards and appears ready to extend his new career rushing totals to well past 9,000 yards.
Spegal's Indiana prep legend was pretty much cemented last year when he rushed for more than 3,300 yards, scored a state record 70 touchdowns and led the Dragons to a 14-0 record to win the Class 5A championship.
With a unique, low-to-the-ground running style, Spegal hasn't attracted major college recruiters. According to
247Sports, he's received just two offers — from Army and Indiana State — and that's as a fullback.
That, despite the fact he's been timed at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, can reportedly can squat 575 pounds and bench press 420 pounds.
The lack of college attention and massive high school production has made him a fan favorite throughout the Hooiser state. Ironically, his lack of classic running speed and grace is the opposite of his running back idol growing up — Adrian Peterson.
He told
Bleacher Report: "I like how hard it is to bring him down and how easily he breaks a lot of tackles. But yes, I have always enjoyed contact."
Spegal entered the game with 400 rushing yards this season on 45 carries and seven touchdowns in two lopsided New Palestine wins.
As long as he stays healthy, he should widen his now record as the most prolific Indiana high school career rusher by a good distance. The Dragons host Mt. Vernon (Fortville) next week.
Charlie Spegal became Indiana's career rushing leader in just the third game of his senior season on Friday.
File photo by Brenda Adams-Turk
