Courtesy of The Trend Community Newsmagazine

Brad Cusick never thought the recruiting would be so heavy. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Cherokee tight end felt that his lack of receptions would turn off the recruiters. He couldn't have been more wrong.

Last season Cusick, who also plays defensive end, caught just eight passes for Cherokee's run-oriented attack. The fact that he showed good hands, excellent blocking ability and has been timed at 4.68 seconds in the 40-yard dash, ensured that scores of recruiters would be on his trail.

"I'm a little surprised that it has been this heavy," Cusick said. "I figured that kids who catch the football would be the ones who were noticed. I thought I blocked pretty well and that helped me."

Cusick said he never worried about the lack of receptions. All he cares about is helping Cherokee rebound from last year's 4-5 record.

"All I care about is winning," he said. "Plus, we have good backs with [Doug] Eastlick and Mike Wick."

Even Cherokee coach John Scott, admits that this season the Chiefs have to get Cusick more involved in the passing game.