Anderson’s impact to be remembered for years to come
Players like Rylee Anderson simply do not come around every day.
A senior who is 25th on the all-time North Carolina rushing list – finishing his high school career with 6,164 after Saturday’s state title victory – Anderson has left an indelible mark on not only the Black Knights program, but the entire Smoky Mountain Conference, as his career yardage has set a new standard for both.
“Every year, I’ve had a great line to run behind,” Anderson said. “There’s no way I could have done it without that.”
Anderson had 2,034 yards during his senior campaign alone. However, players and coaches alike all point to his impact on the defensive side of the ball as a pivotal part of Robbinsville’s success.
A threatening cornerback, he dropped the opposition 186 times by himself during his high school career and assisted in 96 other efforts.
Anderson even admitted preferring a tackle over a carry.
“I probably get more fired up making a big tackle than I do when I make a long run,” he said. “My sophomore year, I wasn’t too good on defense, but these past two years I’ve really tried to get better at it.
“Defense wins championships.”