BRUCE IN THE RECORD BOOK: Hulbert tailback sets state mark

by Ben Johnson (@BenJohnsonTUL)
11/12/2018 12:07:15 AM
posted in: Articles | 2,741 views

Jacob Bruce arrived at preseason camp in 2015, mostly eager to learn and admittedly oblivious.

“As a freshman, I was young and didn’t know what to do,” the Hulbert running back said. “The coaches then just said I was a fast kid and to use my speed. They motivated me, and then I stuck with that I needed to do.”

Bruce expanded on those lessons four years ago and it all culminated in a record-setting night on Friday. Bruce scored on a 64-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against Allen, and at the same time passed Luther’s Larry Dupree on the state’s all-time rushing yardage list.

“There are so many people to give credit to, including my family for always supporting me and always telling me I can do anything I put my mind to,” Bruce said. “Then my former coach (Rusty Harris) for teaching me what I need to know to become a running back, and now Coach (Joe) Brown for never giving up on me and pushing me to become better.”

Bruce finished with 347 yards and six touchdowns in Hulbert’s 50-19 victory over Allen, and he currently sits with 8,496 yards to his credit.

“This season has been amazing,” Bruce said. “We have had our ups and downs, but we came out on top and now that we have advanced to the second round, we are looking to keep succeeding this season and take the gold ball.”

It’s remarkable considering that before Bruce’s arrival, Hulbert had been to the playoffs once since the turn of the century. Now the Riders will be atop the record books for the foreseeable future.

“The people in the community have been waiting,” Bruce said, “for a good team to come through Hulbert and make a statement.”

And they have.

But of course Bruce couldn’t have reached his lofty achievement without the help of the guys up front. Bruce said he couldn’t help but thank his offensive line -- Wyatt Keener, Justin Carey, Larrett Daniels, Braxton Ellis, Wyatt Keener and Preston Welch -- over and over.

“I’m close with everyone on the team, and it was a very special moment in my life,” Bruce said. “And I got to spend it with them, and I am thankful to have such great teammates like them.”

All-time rushing yards

1. Jacob Bruce (Hulbert) - 8,496

2. Larry Dupree (Luther) - 8,443

3. Reggie Skinner (White Oak) - 8,119

4. Sheldon Wilson (Anadarko) - 7.662

5. Steve Tate (Luther) - 7,656

Click here for the rest of the list