Born plays an invaluable role for Choctawhatchee

FORT WALTON BEACH — The value of a football player isn’t always measured in touchdowns, catches or tackles.

Take Choctawhatchee’s Ryan Born for instance. He may not be leading the Indians in any statistical categories but, when it comes to measuring value to the team, Choctaw coach Greg Thomas believes he’s definitely near the top of the leader board.

“He’s a big reason why we’re in the playoffs and we’re still playing right now,” Thomas said.

Born is indispensable because he does so much for Choctaw (7-3), which plays at Jacksonville Andrew Jackson (10-0) in the Class 3A regional quarterfinals on Friday. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior starts at tight end, lines up on defense at end or linebacker whenever necessary and plays on all special teams units.

At tight end, Born has thrived as both a pass catcher and blocker. His main priority is to help create holes for running backs Charlie Lott and Freddie Gray, and Thomas estimated that 80 percent of the team’s run plays go behind him or near him.

Born said the key to his blocking ability springs from his work at defensive end.

“You definitely play with a more defensive mentality so you’re a lot more aggressive,” Born said. “You go full speed on every play and just nail the guy.”

In the passing game, Born has been one of the more dependable complements to star receiver Justin Savage. He’s hauled in approximately 20 catches for roughly 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Thomas said Born’s success this season began long before the first game was played. He made significant gains in the weight room, increasing his bench press, squat and power clean by 40 pounds or more in each lift.

“Ryan had really committed himself to football in the offseason,” Thomas said. “He’s gotten bigger and stronger. He showed up every day at practice with his lunch pail. He’s one you never have to get after at practice.”

Or at games for that matter. Against Andrew Jackson, like he always does, Born will fulfill his requirements on offense and wait for his number to be called on defense.

“Right after offense,” he said, “you get a swig of water and get right back at it.”