Winning is primary focus for Gross

Eugene Gross has never asked to be in the spotlight. He's always been content flying under the radar yet producing numbers that stack up against any tailback in the history of the Blue Raider football program. The versatile Gross did not disappoint in Middle Tennessee's opening win over Florida International. Gross led the team with 76 rushing yards, scored the game-winning touchdown on a 33-yard run, and picked up a crucial first down late in the game with a 12-yard run on 3rd-and-10. His numbers suggest he's one of the best to tote the pigskin in a Middle Tennessee uniform. Humility; however, deters Gross from talking about individual accolades or where he ranks in the Blue Raider record books. Numbers mean little without wins and that's Gross' focus in his final season. "I want to win because that's really all that matters," Gross said. "Whether or not you have solid numbers or good games doesn't matter if the team doesn't get the win." It's that philosophy that makes first-year coach Rick Stockstill beam when talking about the player he proclaimed the "best on the football team" coming out of spring practice. "Coming out of spring practice I thought he was the one guy who made plays consistently," Stockstill said. "He made plays in the running game, he made plays in the passing game, and he's a tough young man. He runs hard, he blocks, and he just does everything you want from a football player and that's why I said that. "On top of that, winning is his focus. Eugene hasn't had a winning season since he's been here and this is a chance for him to go out a winner so I think that's what his main focus is. Winning the game means more than being All-Conference or Offensive Back of the Year. Winning the football game has to be most important and I think that's what Eugene cares about more than anything." The only thing Gross' impressive resume lacks is a championship or winning season. Individually, he's performed at as of a high of a level as some of the top rushers in Blue Raider history. The Middle Tennessee career Top 10 lists not only demonstrates his individual prowess, but also his versatility. Gross is first among running backs in receptions (83), fourth in total touchdowns scored (32), fourth in rushing touchdowns (31), seventh in rushing attempts (492) and 10th in all-purpose yards. "Eugene brings so much to the table," said senior quarterback Clint Marks. "He's one of my really good friends on the team and we have been through a lot together. We have been through a lot of battles and he's done better each year. He came out and dominated in the spring, he had a great summer, and I'm really excited to watch him Play in 2006." If preseason prognostications are correct Blue Raider fans should be equally excited about Gross' senior season. He has been named Preseason Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team running back by Sporting News. Running backs coach Larry Kirksey, who has mentored quality backs and receivers at both the professional and collegiate levels, believes Gross is the total package and deserves the accolades bestowed upon him. "He's a football player first and foremost," Kirksey said. "He does everything you ask a football player to do. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, he has good vision when he runs the ball, he breaks tackles when he runs the ball, and, at the same time, if it's pass protection he's picking up blitzes. I just think he's a complete football player and he has some skills." Because of those skills Gross knows he is being counted on as a viable part of the Blue Raider offense in 2006 and, like everything else throughout his college career, he welcomes the challenge. "It's always good to have people on your team who look up to you and it's going to help me be a better person after football because I know there are people out there depending on me," Gross said. "I try to be the best at whatever I do, whether on the field or in the classroom, because I want to help my team win." He may be expected to carry even more of the load in 2006. Gross may not be seeking the spotlight but all indications are it will be shining on him.

Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

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