Bingham's tailback to stand out

SOUTH JORDAN — Bingham tight end Austin Holt doesn't remember the opponent but says he won't forget the moment.

Holt says that during one of Bingham's 14 wins a season ago, several of which were blowouts, back-up tailback Sam Langi only carried the ball a few times.

But he scored a touchdown virtually every single time he got it.

"We blocked," says Holt, "and he was gone."

Heading into the 2007 prep football season, which kicks off tonight, many prep football junkies might not immediately mention Langi's name when discussing the top tailbacks in the state. Don't be surprised, however, if they are by the time the season ends.

Because Bingham had so many talented offensive weapons a season ago — receiver Jordan Pendleton, quarterback Dusty Heap, tight end Austin Holt and running backs Doug Fiefia and Tyson Hill among them — heavy carries eluded Langi.

Nonetheless, he still managed to rack up 892 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on just 105 carries.

This year, he won't be sharing carries with two other guys, and the folks inside Bingham's program all expect the senior to have a huge season.

"He was probably our best back a year ago, but we had two good seniors (Fiefia and Hill)...and we owed it to them," says Peck. "So we had a three-headed monster at tailback, which worked for us. (But) there's no doubt that Sam will get the majority of the carries. I think Sam will be a 2,000-yard guy this year."

"With the kids we have up front," adds Peck, "and watching how he's lookin' right now. ... I just think you're gonna see him have a banner year."

Considering he averaged nearly nine yards-per-carry, did it annoy Langi that he didn't see more time on offense during Bingham's championship-winning team of a year ago?

"You know what? I can say it did, but I just go for the team, so it didn't bother me that much," he says.

According to Peck, Langi possess the complete package as a back. He has speed, explosiveness, power, size (he's added about 15 pounds since last season), and he catch the ball well out of the backfield.

When asked about his characteristics, Langi compared himself with Fiefia, whom he shared time with last year.

"Me and him has almost the same similarities," says Langi. "We're both elusive everywhere on the field. I'm good at just exploding right off the line."