By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS – Adrian Soto’s first career rushing attempt as a Fort Hays State Tiger was a 65-yard touchdown run in the 2019 season finale at Northeastern State. It remains the longest run of the Pueblo, Colorado native’s career. Now a junior, the Tigers most experienced running back is hoping for big things as the Tigers try to bounce back from their first losing season since 2012.
“You can definitely see that everybody has a little chip on their shoulder from last season. Last season we thought we were going to be really good and do really good and obviously it didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to. I can definitely see it on everybody, especially the offensive side.”
Soto led the Tigers in rushing last season with 814 yards on 123 carries and eight rushing touchdowns. He says he’s focused on the little things so far in training camp in a hope to improve those numbers.
“Doing everything right.” Soto said. “Once you get that down it seems like the big plays, they just happen. It’s not something you make happen. You do the right things, you do what you’re supposed to do and the big plays will just come.”
The Tigers ranked fourth in the MIAA in rushing in 2021, averaging 162.5 yards per game but struggled running the ball in many short yardage situations. It’s something Soto and the rest of the offense has focused on changing heading into this season.
“When we’re that close and the plays coming to me it’s always in my mind.” Soto said. “I think this year we’re working much harder because much season it was definitely a struggle for us when we were that close and those definitely make a difference throughout the whole game.”