By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Topeka High football coach Carlos Kelly told TopSports.news after a 28-20 win over Emporia back in September, “Tylan Alejos needs to be Tylan Alejos and magic will happen.”
That ended up being the truth.
The Topeka High senior surpassed 1,300 rushing yards on the year and had 1,605 all-purpose yards while finding his way into the end zone 18 times.
His statistical and self-effort earned him first-team All-Centennial League honors as a running back and honorable mention at defensive back. He also cracked the TopSports.news Top 22 list.
“Pretty cool for me and my team,'' Alejoas said. "Late nights, hard work and the constant grind paid off. I’m glad that I was able to earn these awards for my team.''
Topeka High senior Tylan Alejos (7) is congratulated after scoring a touchdown against Highland Park during his senior football season. [File photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka High has had its fair share of historical running backs in the last decade, most notably Ky Thomas.
Thomas ran for 7,703 rushing yards and 95 touchdowns in his career and is now the leading rusher for Minnesota. The Gatorade Athlete of the Year in Kansas created a path for greatness for Topeka High’s future backfield.
“He set the blueprint down,'' Alejos said. "I pick and choose what I could follow from him. He’s one of the greatest to ever do it. He taught me a lot on how to be a great player.''
When Thomas moved on Minnesota the opportunity arose for Alejos to shine and he capitalized even though opposing teams concentrated on trying to stop him each week.
“I didn’t really feel the pressure,'' he said. "It sucked to run a misdirection and already see five or six guys charging at me, but I took that as a compliment. That's what happens to great players (being pressured constantly), so I just had to adapt my game.''.
The Trojans finished 2-7 on the year. The record didn’t finish the way Alejos and the team wanted, but the memories made were special.
“This team means everything. This year was my last ride. Despite our record, I thought the mix of old and new guys was a good thing for us. It was a great team to end the year on,” said Alejos.
“The coaches and Danny (Saili). The coaches put me in the best position and Danny is the best offensive lineman in the state. They really did good work for us.''
One of the best backs in Topeka High history is now looking out for the next generation of great Trojan athletes.
“Focus on yourself, the game, and be prepared to do the work. This game isn’t easy and you need to focus on how to get better,” said Alejos.
Right now Alejos is trying to decide what’s the next step in his football career?
“I am undecided,'' he said. :I got a couple more offers. I got six or seven during the season. I don’t know where I am going quite yet. I need to focus on staying in shape, doing 7 on 7’s, and hopefully get a spot in the Shrine Bowl.''
