- April 25, 2024
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Que'Shaun Byrd
Having watched every level of football throughout my life, I consider — in my humble opinion — former NFL running back Barry Sanders the best player of all time. He was a once-in-a-generation talent, and you share some of his qualities.
I first saw you play against Seabreeze three years ago in the first game I covered in Flagler County. You rushed for nearly 250 yards, including a 92-yard touchdown run. I knew you were special then, but it was the following season where I became "Byrdliever (I just made that up)."
In a losing effort to Matanzas, when the Pirates had you trapped in the backfield, I found myself thinking, "Byrd's going to lose a ton of yards on this run." Except you would make everyone miss and turn nothing into something. You consistently pull this off, and that's one of the reasons you remind me of Sanders.
I never saw you wear glasses, but "Four-eyes" would be an appropriate on-the-field nickname for you. You run with such control that it appears you can see from every direction. That's uncoachable — and seems impossible, but you've made it a habit to juke out defenders at angles you couldn't have possibly seen them, which is another Barry Sanders quality.
This past Friday, I saw you play your final high school game — gainst Seabreeze. You wasted no time leaving your mark on the field, as you ran 188 yards, including a 65-yard score on the second play of the game and an 84-yard score on your very next carry.
Remember when I thought you were a senior up to you actually becoming a senior? I couldn't fathom a sophomore — or junior — doing the things you frequently performed on the field.
I hate the fact you had to play these last two years with an inexperienced team. There's no telling what could've been, if defenses had to prepare for more than just you.
But now that your high school career is over, college football awaits you. Although most schools still haven't reached out to you, I'm sure one will take a chance, and I have full confidence that you will make everyone a "Byrdliever."
You've made my first three years as a professional journalist a pleasure for me, and I can't wait to update Flagler County about your college football success.
See for yourself: Check out some of Byrd's best highlights throughout his high school football career here: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/2864352/5821face11fa7f0720c80f43
