RYAN FLYNN — Staff Writer
On Sept. 17, 2011, Southern football’s Rashaad Slowley had quite possibly the game of his life. In a 59-34 win against St. Anselm, the running back carried the ball a lofty 35 times; amassing 205 yards and a school record six rushing touchdowns. Slowley, a senior, has had his share of big games before but never one quite like this.
“It feels great,” Slowley said of claiming the record. “I mean, I played with Jarom, I met Toles, I’ve met Shawn. So I know a few of the past rushing holders. So to know that I have a stat that’s above their names even though they have done tons of things that I have yet to accomplish just makes me feel like I’m doing my job.”
Despite a final score that looks one-sided, the game was competitive throughout. Many single-game records are broken in garbage time, but that was not the case here. Neither Slowley nor his coach seemed to purposely chase the record, either. According to Slowley, he was unaware at the time that he had even broken it.
“I didn’t find out (about the record) actually until I got home after the game, because after the game (Head) Coach (Rich Cavanaugh) said that I tied the record. So I guess he was unsure too whether the record was actually broken. I didn’t find out until later when I looked online.”
The play, Slowley said, was just a regular goal-line power play. When he originally scored touchdown number six, it was called back because of holding. The Owls then lined up and ran the same play again to the exact same results, save for the yellow on the field. Slowley has been a beast in the red zone all season, something he says he owes to the line in front of him and the determination to want to, as he says, “get in bad.” Despite all of his success, however, Slowley is still the consummate team player.
“I mean, I just play one game at a time,” Slowley said. “It helps me to know that our offensive rushing game is having successful games and giving the coach what he wants but just taking it game by game. So whatever it takes to win the game- we’ll do anything we have to.”
Slowley is a sports management major and looks to possibly pursue coaching, athletic directing or event management, among other options. Slowley is also a fan of the pro game, notably of former USC and current Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush. It was another pro runner, however, who had a more direct impact on Slowley.
“Growing up locally, Ray Rice has always been someone I looked up to,” Slowley said. “He’s one of my coach’s friends so, you know, just having that relationship with someone that I looked up and idolized growing up has just helped me out.”
After contributing mostly as a return man during his freshman campaign, Slowley finally got his chance as a sophomore, compiling 849 yards and six touchdowns. The following year, as a junior, he ran for 871 yards and 10 TDs. Now, after another solid game against Pace, in which Slowley ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries, he is in line for his best season yet. Slowley’s senior year thus far is going great: he’s amassed 482 yards on the ground and 11 rushing touchdowns already. If he keeps it up, this Owl could be in line for another honor. That being the title of All-American.
