Thursday, March 18, 2010
By JON MOFFETT
jmoffett@vindy.com
GIRARD
Girard High running back Tallen Birmingham will attend Robert Morris University in the fall, according to his coach, Bud McSuley.
McSuley said Birmingham will play the same position for the Colonials and will major in education. Birmingham was a member of the National Honor Society at Girard, and is also a member of the wrestling and baseball teams.
“He’s the ultimate team player,” McSuley said. “He is fearless, he loves the game and to prepare for the game, and his best attribute is that he loves to compete.”
Girard enjoyed great success with Birmingham in the backfield. The Indians compiled a 20-2 record during the past two seasons, including an 11-1 run this year. McSuley said Birmingham rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
A senior co-captain and three-year letterwinner, Birmingham will immediately prove his worth to his new team, McSuley said.
“He’s going to compete, that’s the bottom line,” he said. “That’s all he wants is a chance.”
Birmingham was named first team all-AAC, first team All-Trumbull County and third team all-state.
Off the field, Birmingham is an example in the classroom and locker room, McSuley said.
“He’s always willing to teach and help the younger players on and off the field,” McSuley said. “He leads by example in the weight room, and in the classroom he was student -athlete of the week.
“He’s going to add a sense of pride and hustle, and a history of winning and being successful,” he said. “He’s a special individual.”