Thomas Cogdell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler Preparatory Academy for AZpreps365.com

Chandler Prep junior receiver Creon Fulgham has been a star on both sides of the ball, leading the team in touchdowns, tackles and receiving yards. He also set a school record for most touchdowns in a game. 

While fans and parents look at him as a key player, getting the same recognition from colleges has been more difficult. 

“Being at a smaller school, small division, it is harder to get looked at by college coaches,” Fulgham said. “So I do go to camps that would have better talent. I’ve been a part of the 7-on-7 teams that are in 6A with players from all around.” 

Taking part in scouting events might boost the scout's recognition of his talent, but it is hard to convey the intangibles that most recruiters see as necessary to play at the next level.

Growing up the oldest of five, Fulgham had no choice but to become a leader. This, combined with his athletic prowess, provides him with a commanding role as just a junior and portrays him as someone to be looked up to by younger players and feared by opposing teams.     

Fulgham also gives Chandler Prep options. On any given Friday, the junior can go from wide receiver to running back in the time it takes to break the huddle and he does it with ease.  

While Chandler Prep does have star power in the backfield with AJ Robinson, the team's second-leading scorer, Fulgham has become the Titans' secret weapon, whether on the line or behind the quarterback.   

“He’s somebody you can use in so many different roles,” coach Frank Peake said. “Not only is he a phenomenal player, but he's a great leader on and off the field.”  

Just as his leadership skills have worked off the field, his work never stops in preparation for when he steps back on it. 

“He’s all about football all the time,” Peake said. “Even when he’s not with us at practice or on the field, he’s working out and doing what he needs to do to take care of himself and play at the next level. Some school is really gonna luck out to get him.” 

Even though Fulgham says he plays for “fun,” playing in college is the ultimate goal. 

“Just as far as I can go,'' he said. "It's just something I’ve always been drawn to, especially once I started getting into football. I think I started wanting to go to college for football freshman year, and that's when things really started going good for me.”  

Besides football, the junior wide receiver takes pride in his Native American and Samoan heritage. Aspects of both of these cultures influence how he carries himself and assist in maintaining the leader he is today. 

“We really do try to incorporate both cultures,” his mother, Ronona Fulgham, said. “His father is Samoan and I’m Native American, so a lot of our values and beliefs from our culture are at our core. It includes discipline, it includes having respect for your opponent, yourself, and the sport you're playing. So I am very proud that he incorporates that with his daily life.”  

As others try to hone their skills off the field to create a more appealing image for scouts, Creon Fulgham has already perfected his picture but is just getting started.