There may not be one player chomping at the bit to get the 2019 regular season going more than Randall’s Tavian Combs.
For good reason to that extent.
When the Raiders kickoff the year on Aug. 30, hosting Midland High, it will be one year since Combs played a varsity game.
The talented wide out didn’t even get a snap last season, suffering a broken leg after a 30-yard return on the opening kickoff against the Bulldogs.
Randall senior Tavian Combs is expected to be an impact player for the Raiders after missing all of last season with an injury. [Ben Jenkins/Press Pass Sports]
“Last year was extremely tough,” Combs said. “After my injury, I’d sit there and get upset thinking about how hard I worked to get ready for the season. After that, I just tried to be there for my teammates. We had some inexperience behind me so I helped them as much as I could.”
Randall head coach Gaylan Selman credits Combs’ effort as a teammate last season.
“Although he wasn’t on the field,” Selman said, “spoke volumes for a young man like Combs to stay positive during a very rough stretch in his life.”
“He handled it great,” said Selman, who is 16-18 entering his fourth year at Randall. “He never missed a beat though. It’s hard for a young guy to overcome an injury like that. But if it means something to them they are going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
Combs had successful surgery last winter, and was able to participate in the Raiders athletic period during the spring.
The 6-foot-2, 205 pound Combs hasn’t seemed to miss any explosion so far during August workouts as he continues to grind for the upcoming year.
“I’m just ready to come out and show Amarillo what I can do,” Combs said. “I want to stay healthy and have a great season with my teammates. We want to execute, complete our assignments, and fight to win games.”
Selman echoed his players comments.
“Tavian always stayed positive,” Selman said. “After his surgery, he came back strong. He’s always on time, works his tail off and is a great character, and he’s perfect for the locker room. I love seeing him overcoming adversity. That’s what sports is all about, and I’m proud of him.”