By Blake Chadwick
When you talk about guys who scare the defense every time they touch the ball, Wichita East’s AJ Bohannon is a big-time playmaker.
Bohannon is coming off of a year where he ran for 1248 rushing yards on 111 attempts for an astounding average of 11.3 yards a carry. The junior also showed off his receiving skills with 237 receiving yards on 14 attempts with 16 total touchdowns.
“My biggest strengths are my work ethic and attention to detail,” Bohannon said. “My vision, speed and knowledge of the game along with my burst and juke moves set me apart from every other running back in the state.”
The junior has been playing football since he was five and now is one of those who is seen as one of the best running backs in the state.
“When people say I’m the best running back in the area it makes me feel good,” Bohannon said. “A lot of people don’t understand how dedicated to this game I am. Weights, training, practice and diet all go into being the best. I work hard for 365 days a year for a chance to play 13 games. This year I’m playing 13 games. The 13th game is the state championship game.”
As he becomes an upperclassman, Bohannon knows that the eyes will be on him on and off the field.
“The thing that makes me standout is that I’m a great person not only on the field but in life,” Bohannon said. “And that’s contagious in the locker room. My teammates look to me for leadership and guidance because they know I’m a person that gives it my all no matter what the situation is. Life is bigger than football but I am blessed to use it as a tool to improve my life and others around me.”