When detailing the strengths of tailback Andre Boone , Cox High School head football coach Steve Allosso doesn’t point to size, speed and running ability, although he believes Boone definitely possesses all three. Allosso, who has known Boone for around eight years, points to character, determination and integrity as the things that stand out the most.

“What really makes Andre dangerous is his attitude, his team play and his humbleness,” Allosso said. “I’ll give you an example. He was a sophomore and we were playing Kempsville. Going into the game, Andre was like 9 yards behind the kid from Kempsville for the rushing title. The start of the 3rd quarter, we were up 23-0 and we were putting subs in. Without even thinking about it Andre went to put his sub in. I said ‘Andre what are you doing!?’ and he said he was putting his sub in. I told him you’re going for the rushing title so stay out there (laughs). He’s very much a team-oriented, unselfish kid and I can’t hit that home enough when talking about Andre. Every time he scores a touchdown he just hands the ball to the referee. He doesn’t try to get attention. He doesn’t talk trash. In the eight years I’ve known him, he’s never shown anyone disrespect. And what that does is it makes kids want to play for him.”

Boone went on to rush for 106 yards in the game and did capture the Beach district rushing title that year, becoming the only sophomore to accomplish the feat since 1989. For the year, he rushed for 1,398 yards and 13 touchdowns. This past season, he rushed for 1,145 yards and had 11 touchdowns. A good receiver, Boone averaged about 12 catches each of the past two seasons.

“He’s currently about 6-0, 200 or 205 pounds,” Allosso said of Boone. “We’ve clocked him anywhere from 4.46 to 4.48, but he’s a legit 4.45 and probably a little faster. He’s strong. He runs at 45 degree angles. Andre knows when to cut. He understands how to move. He has outstanding vision and outstanding acceleration. He has great yards after contact. He has all those things that make a great running back.

...