Kenmore's Mallory saving best for last at CCSU
New Britain, Conn., home of Central Connecticut State University, is also the home of Stanley Works, makers of those familiar yellow-and-black tools that have become synonymous with durability and dependability.
Those words could certainly describe Central's senior running back, James Mallory. The Kenmore West graduate is nearing the end of a stellar career with a different team of Blue Devils. He's headed for another 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown season, but more importantly has helped his team get to the point of controlling its destiny for the Northeast Conference title.
Mallory has made many big plays while at Central Connecticut, but perhaps none bigger than one in last Saturday's showdown with Albany. The Blue Devils had just gotten possession for their first offensive series after Albany had taken the lead on a 15-play drive to open the game. With the ball at his team's 21, Mallory broke through for a 79-yard touchdown that quickly got the Blue Devils right back in it.
"The offensive line did a great job blocking on that," Mallory said. "It was just an inside power run and I was able to run right through the hole and right down the middle of the field."
Central Connecticut wound up winning, 31-29, snapping the Great Danes' 18-game conference winning streak and giving it sole possession of first place with a 5-0 conference record. Mallory scored what proved to be the game-winning TD on a 1-yard run late in the third quarter, his third score of the day in a 23-carry, 204-yard performance.
"He's just a very special player with a lot of heart," said Central Connecticut coach Jeff McInerney, who has seen a lot of talented players come and go while serving as an assistant for John Robinson at USC and also at Oregon State and UNLV, among other stops. "I would be absolutely shocked if he's not the Player of the Year in our conference."
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Mallory has followed last year's breakout season, when he finished with 1,523 yards and 15 TDs, by compiling 908 yards and 12 TDs in eight games. He's on track to go over 3,000 yards rushing for his career. When asked who he patterns himself after in the run game, Mallory had a couple of players in mind.
"I love the way Clinton Portis plays," he said of the Washington Redskins' running back. "He's a small guy but gets a lot done with his running and blocking. And Kevin Faulk of the Patriots, he's very versatile with his running, catching and special teams play."
Mallory's special teams play has also been eye-opening. In the first three games of the season he blocked three punts and tackled the punter once, earning one of his two National All- Star honors from the College Sporting News. The other was for his play in last week's win over Albany.
"I enjoy being on the punt block team and I'd do kickoffs, too, if Coach would let me," Mallory said.
McInerney said that's not going to happen. He knows Mallory is too valuable as a running back for his team. But the coach knows special teams may be his ticket for a possible NFL tryout or free-agent signing.
"I think James is that kind of guy," McInerney said. "He probably isn't what you would call a typical NFL running back, but you put good players in good spots and that's why he's on special teams. He's a diamond in the rough and has so many good qualities. All he needs is a shot."
Mallory has helped lead Central to a 7-1 start overall, its best in 36 years, and the Blue Devils can win their conference by sweeping the final three games, beginning with Wagner on Saturday. He'll play his final home game the following week against Monmouth, which his mother and younger brother will attend.
"It was definitely a good decision to come here," said Mallory, who will graduate with a social work degree in May. "A great experience. But all good things must come to an end."
Log into MyBuffalo to post a comment
MyBuffalo is the new social network from Buffalo.com. Your MyBuffalo account lets you comment on and rate stories at buffalonews.com. You can also head over to mybuffalo.com to share your blog posts, stories, photos, and videos with the community. Join now or learn more.
Reader comments