Monday, February 25, 2013
2015 RB Gaskin sets lofty goals for future
By Mason Kelley
Myles Gaskin (Seattle/O’Dea) keeps a piece of paper in a drawer by his bed. It is a list of goals -- individual and team -- for his junior season.
He wants to finish with 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, while leading O’Dea to a Class 3A state championship.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back uses that list as motivation.
“I look at it almost every day, right before I go to bed,” Gaskin said. “I don’t let myself get distracted.”
Gaskin didn’t envision playing much as a sophomore. He thought senior Tatum Taylor would get the bulk of the carries. However, Gaskin played more than expected. He is using that experience to help him get an early start in preparation for the 2013 season.
“Now I know what to look forward to and I know what I need to do to get better,” he said. “I just feel like talent only takes you so far, so I just need to work hard and keep on going.
“I feel like I’m getting better each and every day. I’m working out at the school every day and, on the weekends and on Wednesdays when the weight room is closed, I go to the field and work on some ladders, try and stay in shape.”
One of the top 2015 prospects in Washington, Gaskin always thought, “schools would come to me.”
While he was invited to attend Washington’s junior day a few weeks ago, he has recently realized it is up to him to get his name out to college coaches.
“Now I’m trying to put myself out there, sending out my highlight tape out and trying to talk to coaches, get my offers,” he said. “I’m more active than I was before.”
During the junior day, he was able to speak briefly with running backs coach Johnny Nansen. However, while he enjoyed the experience, he wants to get to the point where he’s receiving the same level of attention as fellow 2015 standouts Chico McClatcher (Federal Way, Wash./Federal Way) and Austin Joyner (Marysville, Wash./Marysville-Pilchuck), who already have offers from the Huskies.
“I’m trying to get on that radar,” Gaskin said. “It’s a big motivator. I’m proud of them, because I’ve known Chico since we were little. But that just makes me want to do so much better, just step it up.”
