LaSalle College High School generates a lot of attention because it has produced quarterback after quarterback with gaudy career passing statistics.
But it would be a mistake to overlook what the Explorers can do in the rushing department – especially with a running back like Jamal Abdur-Rahman in the backfield.
Abdur-Rahman is generating some Division-1 interest – he’s had a scholarship offer from Maryland for quite a while and has received interest from schools like UCONN, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple and Virginia, according to his profile on Rivals.com.
Abdur-Rahman had a very productive junior season, running for 1,198 yards on 202 carries (5.93 avg.) and adding 29 receptions for 370 yards (12.75 avg.) out of the backfield. He finished as LaSalle’s leading rusher and was one of six targets in the Explorers’ passing attack that finished with more than 200 receiving yards.
All told, Abdur-Rahman scored 20 total touchdowns (16 rushing, 3 receiving, 1 fumble return). He scored 122 of LaSalle’s 456 points, accounting for 26.7 percent of the team’s season scoring output. He also intercepted four passes on defense.
He surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in six of LaSalle’s 15 games.
As a sophomore, Abdur-Rahman ran for 1,009 yards on 148 carries (6.81 avg.) and caught 25 passes for 449 yards (17.96 avg.), scoring 23 total touchdowns (16 rushing, 6 receiving, 1 punt return).
LaSalle tied a school record for wins in 2009 (14), previously established with a 14-0 season in 1997. The Explorers were crowned PIAA “AAAA” champions, defeating State College Area, 24-7, at snowy Hersheypark Stadium.
The Explorers, 23-4 overall (.851) the last two seasons, averaged over 30 points per game last year.
