By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
In 2022, one of the best power combos in the state belongs at North Caddo for the run game led by running backs Aiden Brock (5-11, 225 pounds) and K.J. Black (5-10, 210), both Class of 2023 upcoming seniors.
It’s not every day you see two players of their stature both at running back in Class 2A football anywhere in Louisiana, or many teams period, in the U.S. These two are not just big but also have speed and vision and both play defense as well as offense for their schools, as most players in Class 2A do across Louisiana. Technically they’re both running backs for college. Brock will play quarterback for his team in 2022.
Black is a three-year starter who ran for 1,846 yards with 27 touchdowns in 2021 and did it on just 161 carries. What I like about Black is when he gets past the first step, he hits the jets and makes it to the open field like he’s 180 pounds – he runs a legit 4.48 40.
Black is also tough, quick and a starting linebacker for the team. He is strong too, as he benches 300 and cleans an impressive 285 pounds. His favorite colleges are LSU, Nebraska, Arkansas, Georgia and Penn State.
Brock runs in the 4.55 to 4.6 range and he’s bigger at 225 pounds, but it’s scary to try and tackle him in the open field (as a quarterback this season) because he’s very athletic for a big guy. I call him the Terminator as a linebacker because he owns the middle of the field and he’s the guy you don’t want to run right at on offense. He benches 300 pounds, squats 420 and cleans 270 pounds, so he’s also one of the strongest players in the state playing running back.
“KJ Black is a great and robust young man. One of the best traits I see in him is that he is coachable and always willing to hear how he can improve,” said running backs coach Myron Manning. “He is a fantastic leader that leads from the front. Also, he constantly challenges our team’s players to be great. He has a great attitude and is very confident.
“He’s versatile and agile, runs hard, has great route-running skills, and can make any catch. His goal is to win a football state championship this year, and everybody can see him striving for it. KJ is a professional who is never satisfied, always working to become greater.”
What Manning likes about Brock is his selfless attitude.
“Aiden is a selfless team-first player. He is one of the most athletic players I have ever been around,” said Manning. “Since he’s been at North Caddo, he has played tight end, fullback, defensive end, linebacker, and this year he will be the starting quarterback for the team.
“He has a great work ethic, and he is always motivating his peers. He’s strong and energetic with the will to win. His commitment to this team has stood out to the coaches, and he’s showed us that with great leadership and attitude, he’s ready to lead the Titans into a deep run this season.”
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com