Devrin Weathers is poised to pull off a rare feat at Webb City High School.
When the prep football season opener arrives on Friday, August 28, Weathers will become a three-year starter at running back for the Cardinals.
That’s an uncommon occurrence at Webb City, a perennial power that has captured a state-record 15 championships in Missouri.
“It’s really rare,” Webb City coach John Roderique said of Weathers’ achievement. “I can count on one hand the number of guys I’ve had as three-year starters at running back over the 24 years I’ve been here.”
“It’s pretty special to me,” Weathers said of the accomplishment. “I feel like every year I’ve gotten better. This year I’ve got to be at my peak as far as my high school career. I’ve gotta show out.”
The dynamic Weathers enters his senior season as a premier player in not only Southwest Missouri, but also the entire Show-Me State.
A varsity performer since his freshman year who became a starter as a sophomore, Weathers has compiled 2,373 rushing yards and 37 total touchdowns ahead of his final prep campaign.
“The production he’s had the last couple of years has been amazing,” Roderique said. “Devrin is an incredible athlete. He has unbelievable speed. Any time he gets the ball, there’s a chance he could take it to the end zone because of his speed and athleticism.”
During a standout junior year, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Weathers ran for 1,386 yards with 19 touchdowns, leading the team in rushing for a second-straight season. Overall, Weathers compiled 1,736 all-purpose yards and 22 total touchdowns in ‘19, playing a key role at running back and kick returner as the Cardinals captured the Class 4 championship.
For his efforts, Weathers earned first-team all-state recognition from the Missouri Football Coaches Association and second-team honors from the Missouri Media.
“I feel like I had a pretty good junior season, but I know I can always get better,” said Weathers, who also suits up for the baseball team at Webb City. “I want to have an even better senior season. This summer I’ve put in a lot of work.”
After drawing interest from a number of colleges, Weathers verbally committed to Kansas State in June to join Chris Klieman‘s Wildcats of the Big 12 Conference.
“I felt like the coaching staff and everything about the program at K-State was great,” Weathers said. “I loved everything about it and I know I’ll be real comfortable there. They’ve been contacting me for a while. I think they first saw my highlights on Hudl when I was a sophomore.”
Weathers, who runs a 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, also received Division-I offers from Navy and Eastern Illinois, along with a number of D-II offers.
“It’s exciting and I’m really happy for him that he’s getting the opportunity to go to Kansas State,” Roderique said. “Playing at that level will be a challenge no doubt. We’re happy for him. They don’t give those offers out to just anybody.”
Weathers is regarded as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star prospect by Rivals. According to 247Sports, Weathers is ranked No. 22 in Missouri’s Class of 2021.
As far as the next level, Weathers’ position is up in the air, but there’s been discussion that the Wildcats could play him at defensive back.
First things first—Weathers and the defending champion Cardinals are now preparing for the 2020 campaign.
Roderique noted Weathers has improved his work ethic, blocking and toughness ahead of his senior season.
“I’ve seen some growth in his physicality,” Roderique said. “We’ve talked to him about being a more-physical runner and being a better blocker. He’s doing a really good job of leading and helping the younger players learn what we do. As a coach, you’re always appreciative of a senior helping the younger guys.”
To Weathers, providing guidance to the underclassmen is something he’s more than willing to do.
“I have a lot of experience and I feel like I can help teach the younger dudes,” he said. “As a senior, I have to step up and help lead this team. The younger kids always look up to the seniors, so I want to be a role model.”
Now a varsity veteran, and with his college decision out of the way, Weathers intends to end his prep football career in a big way.
“All summer we were wondering if we would get to play, so it’s a great feeling getting back out here,” Weathers said. “I’m just really excited. I want to show everyone what I can do. And we want to win a state title again this year.”
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Jason Peake is a sports reporter and podcast host for SoMo Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at @JPeakeSports. You can follow SoMo Sports on Facebook, or on Twitter at @SoMo_Sports.
