LEEDS — LaDarius Rodgers says his dream as a child was a simple one.

“My whole dream was to be here (at Leeds High School) and be starting running back,” he said last week. “And I did.”

Rodgers’ characterization of his career at LHS is understated. In his career in green and white, the 5-10, 215-pound local product rushed for over 4,500 yards, and reached the end zone 65 times. And, as his head coach is quick to point out, much of that was in a backup role.

“He rushed for over 4,500 yards, and he wasn’t the starter until this year,” Etheredge said.

Rodgers took the next step in his career on National Signing Day in the LHS auditorium, signing a letter of intent to attend Jacksonville State University on a football scholarship. He is the second member of the LHS Class of 2012 to sign such a letter — teammate Javiere Mitchell is already enrolled at Auburn University.

“It’s a big step for me, going to the next level, playing college football,” Rodgers said. “I grew up here my whole life — played football here, metro, middle school, all the way up to high school. So I’m just going to another step in my life.”

Rodgers spent much of his career at Leeds splitting carries with teammates, and saw his coming out party in the 2010 state championship game (13 carries, 256 yards, three touchdowns), in which he was named Most Valuable Player. As the main back in 2011, he racked 2,185 yards and 30 touchdowns — both single-season records at Leeds — and was a first-team all-state selection.

“And could’ve had a lot more,” Etheredge said. “There were a lot of games where he was done in the first quarter.

“He’s just a quality young man. He’s just one of those guys you can’t replace. You cannot replace him. He’s going to do a great job for Jacksonville State University.”

Etheredge, a JSU alum, said this is the first signee he has seen go there.

“It was just one of those things that was just a good fit for him,” he said. “Keeps him close to home. Coach Crowe does a great job up there. It’s just one of those things where he’s a good fit for that program, because of their style.”

Rodgers — who was also recruited by Army, Navy and Central Arkansas — compared Jacksonville to his hometown.

“Basically, they recruited me ever since my freshman year,” he said. “They’ve been there throughout my high school career.

“It has a family vibe. The players, the coaches, just everything about it.

Rodgers and Mitchell are the latest products from Leeds to sign college scholarships during this run: Since 2008, the Green Wave has compiled a record of 51-6, a run that includes two state championships and a bevy of college signees.

“We’ve just got quality kids here,” Etheredge said. “They come in, they go out, they get scholarships. And it’s going to continue, because we’ve got quality kids.”

Contact Will Heath at wheath@thestclairtimes.com.