By Spencer DuPuis
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Leesburg (February 7, 2016) — Tuscarora High School senior running back James Douglas has made a commitment to continue his football career at Concord University starting in the 2016-2017 school year.
“[Being committed] is very stress relieving knowing what I will be doing the next four years of my life,” the 5-foot-9, 220-pound Douglas said.
In 2016, after spending seven seasons as the Division II Mountain Lions defensive coordinator, Paul Price steps in as the new head coach. Price gave Douglas the opportunity that no other coach did.
“Concord is the only school that really gave me a chance by giving me a scholarship. Many schools gave me a walk-on opportunity, but that’s not what I have been working for,” Douglas said. “Concord felt like home when I visited and had a wonderful school and football environment which made my decision pretty easy.”
In 2015, Concord finished with a 5-5 record in the Mountain East Conference including wins over the future homes of Briar Woods senior Josh Thomas (Fairmont State) and Loudoun County seniors John Jackson and Sosthene Kah (West Virginia State).
“I’ll add a very physical and intense running game that’ll make defenses we play a little scared when knowing that they’re up against Concord University,” the Leesburg-native said.
After transferring from Virginia Academy — who cut their football program after their 2014 season — Douglas helped the Huskies running game continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
“My experience playing for Tuscarora was one of the best experiences I’ve been a part of,” Douglas said. “Starting with the fans, brotherly teammates and the dedicated coaches, we made this year unforgettable!”
In 2015, Douglas rushed for 1,443 yards and 17 touchdowns to help the Huskies to a 13-1 record. For his efforts, Douglas was named a first team all-Conference 14 and an honorable mention Cheers and LoCoSports All-LoCo running back.
Douglas mentioned that football was something he got into young when he lived in Texas.
“I play football because it’s something that I fell in love with at the age of [three]from watching my brother at his local high school games when we lived in Texas and wanting to be like him, and even better,” Douglas said.
