It all started in seventh grade for Abukar Abdi.

 

Abdi, running back for Camelback High School (2-3), has turned into a star player. From not knowing anything about football to being named “Offensive Player of the Game” by MaxPreps the past three games, Abdi has come a long way.

 

“One of my teachers from seventh grade forced me and put me in it. He said I was fast enough to be a good running back,” said Abdi. “I didn’t understand anything about football. After my freshman year I started enjoying it.”

 

It’s not easy to be thrown into a sport and not know what you are doing. Abdi practiced hard and learned how to play while advancing his skills.

 

“Having [Abukar] on the team makes it easy on everyone because he is so fast that he can run away from everyone else on the field,” said Joseph Brissette, Camelback High’s coach.

 

Abdi was chosen “Offensive Player of the Game” by MaxPreps for his plays against Maryvale, Browne, and Alhambra.

 

“It feels great. It feels awesome to be picked ‘Offensive Player of the Game’ for the past three weeks,” said Abdi.

 

During the game against Alhambra on Sept. 15, Abdi scored four out of the five touchdowns in a 33-27 victory. For the season, Abdi has made 9 touchdowns and plans on getting more. Last season he made 7 touchdowns.

 

Quarterback Eric Marquez has played football with Abdi for the past two years.

 

“I rely on [Abukar] as much as I rely on everyone else on my team. As long as everyone does their job we’re all good,” said Marquez. “I know that I can trust Abukar at any point in the game because I never have to tell him what to do. He already knows what he is supposed to be doing while on the field.”

 

Abdi and his teammates plan on bringing home another win Friday against Central (2-2).

 

“I just want to win,” said Abdi while cracking a smile. “I’m going for a fourth week.”