HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s Trey Sommer was never supposed to play the running back position.
In fact, he was certain he’d take the baseball route over football when he began high school four years ago. On Wednesday, the Cub committed to play football at Emporia State University.
And he’ll take all of his snaps at running back.
“It’s something I really never would have thought would come around because I’ve always been so baseball-oriented. But now I’ve really found that love for football,” Sommer said.
Sommer played varsity football all four years. He finished this fall as the team’s leading rusher, averaging 166.5 yards per game. The senior also racked up 30 touchdowns, with 29 of those coming on the ground.
Sommer even started at quarterback when sophomore Blake Ellis went down with an injury near the end of the regular season.
At Wednesday’s signing, Sommer was overjoyed to be surrounded by family, friends, coaches and teammates.
“It’s a blessing to be able to continue my career,” he said.
Emporia State football went 9-3 this past season and knocked off Southeastern Oklahoma in a lopsided Farmers Bank and Trust LIVE United Bowl victory, 47-28. Sommer will join former Humboldt offensive lineman Josh Hull at Emporia. Hull is the older brother of teammate Sam Hull, a junior at HHS.
“I’m excited to play some football, grow as a person, get a good education and meet new friends and make a new family,” Sommer said. “I’ll work hard and be dedicated to Emporia. I’m not a quitter.”
The three-sport athlete is currently on the HHS basketball team and will take to the baseball field come spring.
“I think Trey proves you can turn yourself into something special,” said Humboldt football coach Logan Wyrick. “We originally thought he might even play some tackle or tight end and he worked his way all the way to running back. He shows what you can do when you commit yourself to the program and obviously there’s some God-given tools there as well.”
Sommer even impressed under center where he compiled eight passing touchdowns, 529 passing yards and earned a 121.1% quarterback rating. What’s even more impressive was Sommer’s versatility when he made 65 tackles on the defensive side of the ball.
The running back was instrumental in leading the Cubs to a 2A regional championship title when they defeated Osage City in the second round of the playoffs. Sommer ran for two touchdowns and 237 yards.
“I think he’s got a fire to him,” Wyrick said. “You’d rather have that than trying to get somebody motivated. My challenge was to reel that in and control it; put it to good use. He’s going to have that fire to him. His work ethic is just great.”
