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Leigh, Velez: Lightning, No Thunder

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By NICK WILLIAMS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

RIVERVIEW - This year's Providence Christian football team will be unlike any Coach Dave Hubbart has had.

In the past, Hubbart's offense relied on a hefty fullback clearing the way for a speedy tailback. This year, he'll have two quick and powerful running backs in juniors Josh Leigh and Jefte Velez, who will be starting in the backfield together.

Rather than a thunder and lightning duo, Providence Christian will have just plain lightning.

"They're both very quick guys," Hubbart said. "This year, we're going to rely on a lot of play action. We'll put Jefte in motion a lot."

Leigh has been a starting running back since his freshman year while Velez earned a spot on the varsity as a linebacker. When the team's fullback went down midseason with an injury last year, Velez moved to the position.

"Velez adapted very well," Hubbart said.

Although both backs possess speed and power, they each have their own running style.

"We're different," Velez said. "He runs the ball better but I'm better at catching the ball."

"We play off each other's weakness," Leigh said. "We balance each other out."

Hubbart said the 1-2 punch will make things difficult for opposing defenses this season. With a changed running attack, Hubbart is confident Leigh and Velez can lead the program to a 10th Florida Christian Conference championship appearance.

"Hopefully we can keep teams off balance so they don't know who's getting it," he said.

Leigh averaged 9.5 yards per carry in 2007, rushing 89 times for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged 34 yards per kick return with one touchdown.

"He's more of a straight-line type of runner," Hubbart said. "He's a north-south type runner."

Velez recorded 384 yards and two touchdowns off 57 carries. He was also the Knights' punt returner, averaging 13.3 yards per return.

"He's a very quick, very elusive type runner," Hubbart said.

Neither running back possesses a large frame, so Leigh and Velez have learned it's best to utilize the offensive line.

"Our line is going to lead us," Velez said. "We just need a little blocking."

Since Providence is a small private school in the Florida Christian Conference, Hubbart needs many of his athletes to play both sides of the ball. He said Leigh and Velez will more than likely play in the secondary.

"They recover very well," he said. "We're a little inexperienced in that position so they bring experience."

"We can read and react," Leigh said.

Leigh had 47 tackles, two sacks and one interception last season while Velez had 33 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Leigh and Velez were named to the Florida Christian Conference All-Conference Team as juniors.

Hubbart hopes both players can stay away from injuries this season. "Both will equally run the ball to keep them fresh," he said.

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