Following another thrilling win for the Elon University football team, all eyes are on junior running back Malcolm Summers.
Summers had a career-high game last Saturday against the University of Richmond, breaking all the records he set in his previously career-high game the week before against Charleston Southern University. The Phoenix topped the Richmond Spiders 36-33 on the road, improving the team’s record to 3-1.
Summers ran a spectacular 294 yards against Richmond, the second highest amount of yards rushed in a game ever by an Elon running back, and the 10th most in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) history. His 40 carries were just eight rushes short of the school's all-time record of 48 set by Bobby Hedrick in 1978.
Though Summers didn’t finish with a touchdown against the Spiders, every scoring drive was the result of impressive runs from the junior. When asked about his performance, Summers put the spotlight on his offensive line.
“I give all the credit in the world to them because without them there would be five guys coming straight for my head,” Summers said. “They are doing a great job. They are making it happen up front and I’m just running behind it.”
This season Summers is averaging 126 yards per game, which is more than double his average last year. For his achievements, Summers was named the co-CAA football offensive player of the week.
“Things are starting to open up,” Summers said. “It’s like everything’s coming together and so I’m grateful.”
Looking ahead, the Phoenix plays on Saturday against the University at Albany — who also brings a 3-1 record to Rhodes Stadium. This showdown with the Great Danes will be Elon's second conference test of the year.
According to Summers, the team has been focusing on one thing.
“Taking every game as if it was the first game so everything stays consistent,” he said. And about playing Saturday’s game, “We will be ready.”