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Former Harding, Ohio State standout Herron appears at Victory Christian
Former Harding, Ohio State standout
Herron appears at Victory Christian
By Curtis Pulliam
coitsville
Daniel “Boom” Herron usually makes his presence felt on the football field with his hard-nosed running style.
On Wednesday, he made his presence felt when he returned to the Mahoning Valley, where he grew up and played football at Warren Harding High Scholol.
The former Ohio State standout and now Indianapolis Colts running back made an appearance at the Victory Christian Center in Coitsville.
Herron says he makes frequent visits to the Valley.
“I enjoy coming back and seeing my family and seeing the kids and just being in the community,” Herron said.
Herron knows how important it is for kids to see someone have success on a national level.
“You always want to have someone that the kids can look up to,” Herron said. “I feel like I could be that guy the kids look up to. I’m just trying to give them some pointers and help them out with whatever they want to do in life.”
Nate Oritz is the youth pastor of the Riot at Victory Christian Center and loves when guys like Herron come out.
“I feel like when they come and see what we are doing here at the Riot, they really get behind it and love to give their time back to it,” Ortiz said.
Herron started off the night by playing a game with some of the kids. He later shared some experiences and answered questions.
Herron recounted the Colts’ 24-13 win over Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisonal Playoff game.
Herron had 63 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.
“It was a dream come true for me just to be playing on that big stage,” Herron said. “It was a hard-fought game, but we pulled it out and won.”
Oritz believes seeing Herron come back means a lot for the kids.
“When the kids see someone up there that is having success in the field of athletics and other areas as well ... I think when they look they can see themselves,” Ortiz said.
Elijah Rodriguez, a Boardman High School junior, has been attending the Riot since seventh grade and was excited about Herron’s appearance.
“Him coming out here is a great opportunity to get new people in the Riot,” Rodriguez said.
Herron graduated from Harding in 2006 and says he embraced what was asked of him.
“I wouldn’t call it pressure, but I would say it’s a standard,” Herron said. “Guys were expected to run the ball a certain way and play the game a certain way.”
Warren Harding has produced many college and NFL players including Mario Manningham, Maurice Clarett and Daniel’s brother, David.
Herron says Clarett and his brother had a big impact on him playing running back.
“Him and Maurice were definitely big role models for me growing up through high school and college,” Herron said.
The biggest lesson Herron wanted to share with the kids of Riot was how fast things in life move.
“Pretty much just how fast you have to grow up,” Herron said. “I’ve seen guys get signed on Monday and be gone on Thursday. You got to take care of yourself and stay on top of everything because if you’re not, they will find somebody else.”