Chavious making his mark for Rosewood

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on October 24, 2013 11:00 AM

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Tyree Chavious watched as North Duplin running back J.P. Payton cut up the field and raced through Rosewood's secondary last Friday evening.

Chavious wasn't about to give up.

The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman hustled and made the tackle 40 yards down field. That one play wasn't just a microcosm of Chavious' season, but also a reflection of his ability.

Chavious provides a physical mismatch on both sides of the ball for Rosewood. A majority of the Eagles' offensive plays are designed to follow behind him at left tackle since his low pad level and large frame makes it difficult for smaller defensive linemen to push him into the backfield.

The Eagles have rushed for 1,732 yards and 16 touchdowns as a team this season. They average close to 200 yards on the ground per game.

"When Tyree got to Rosewood as a freshman he was 6-foot-1 and he was playing with his pad level high," Rosewood head coach Robert Britt said. "Since he's been playing, he's been learning to play with leverage and learning how to play against a kid smaller than him and drive him off the ball.

"In our offense when we're able to establish that we can run the ball, that opens up our passing game."

Britt and his coaching staff often spend their weekends marveling at Chavious' plays while reviewing game film. Linemen are graded on their performance and most weeks it's a challenge to grade out higher than Chavious.

Defensively, Chavious has learned to use his hands to shed blockers in order to pursue ball carriers. His quick feet make it difficult for slower offensive linemen to stay in front of him, and is versatile enough to play multiple positions to give opposing offenses various looks.

Chavious recorded 11 tackles and forced a fumble in Rosewood's 40-33 win over North Duplin last week.

"I would have to say I enjoy defense the most," Chavious said. "Just having the opportunity to pop some pads and being the person delivering the blow. Folding someone up when you tackle them, that's an amazing feeling."

The future is bright for Chavious.

Britt definitely sees his prized lineman playing on Saturday afternoons. However, Chavious also has a strong interest in the military and is an active member of Rosewood's JROTC program.

"I know I want to be an officer in the military," Chavious said. "If I can get a football scholarship and still be in JROTC, then that's what I want to do. If I have to choose between football and the military, I don't have an answer for that question."