Bland is a spicy football player
One player Rivals.com has tried to get a hold of for awhile is three-star running back Louis Bland (5-10, 202, 4.5) from Modesto (Calif.) Central Catholic. Bland is not only a two-way standout for Central Catholic, but a two-sport star as well.
Bland has been anything but bland with his performance on the gridiron his senior season. He has missed the last two games due to a high ankle sprain.
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In seven games his senior season, Bland has rushed for 1,035 yards and has scored 18 touchdown while averaging 9.2 yards per carry. He has also added two PAT's this season.
From his linebacker position, Bland has accounted for 33 tackles and one sack.
Bland was just as bright as a junior when he rushed for 1,876 yards and 29 touchdowns. He racked up 74 tackles and had three sacks from linebacker spot for the 2006 season.
Central Catholic head coach Mike Glines was asked what makes Bland such a good player.
"Well it is a combination of his god-given ability to make people miss and he has tremendous balance," Glines said. "After all he's also a two-time state wrestling champ and I think that attributes to his athleticism and balance.
"Louis also has toughness to go with his balance and some players with balance don't like to get hit," Glines said. "That's not the case with Louis. He can also break tackles.
"Louis is also a tremendous blocker and takes it seriously," Glines said. "He blocks harder than some of the guys who blocks for him.
"Louis has been out the last two weeks with a high ankle sprain" Glines said. "Not only is Louis our best offensive player, but he's one of our best defensive players too, so when he's out it is like losing two players.
Bland may be back this week for the 7-1-1 Central Catholic football team or they may rest for the playoffs.
Regarding his recruitment, Glines wasn't exactly sure of the latest status, but he knows he's also being recruited for his wrestling talents as well.
Glines mentioned Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State and one of either Colorado or Colorado State are recruiting him pretty hard.
We will have a follow-up on Bland in the very near future reporting more specifically on his recruitment.
Bland was his area's 2006 Player of the Year after leading Modesto (Calif.) Central Catholic to the CIF- Sac-Joaquin Section title.