Now that Kamerion Hulin is fully entrenched as a full-time starter at quarterback for Northeast Lauderdale (5-2), the junior has had more than a handful of games to reflect on the changes in his responsibilities. 

The one he embraces most?

“Leadership,” Hulin said matter of factly. “The way I look at it, leadership is on and off the field. I feel like I play a big role on and off the field… I don’t think I’m a bad leader. I won’t get them to do anything I won’t do. I try to help in as many ways that I can.”

Hulin’s on-field leadership speaks for itself. 

The Trojans’ quarterback/utility player is coming off a 263-yard, four-touchdown performance against Northeast Jones last week to help the Trojans earn a 39-36 victory. His big game earned him the distinction of being this week’s Meridian Star Player of the Week. Hulin said the credit for his performance goes to his offensive line, as well as the addition of one piece of equipment.

“We got a new five-man (blocking) sled; we just got it last week,” Hulin said. “Last week I ran for 200, this week I ran for close to 300, so I believe the line did it. It’s the line.”

Nominate a player

Coaches or fans are welcome to submit player of the week nominations for football. Nominations are due by 10 a.m. Saturday mornings and must include how the athlete performed the previous week. To nominate, call 601-485-1207 or email dkerekes@themeridianstar.com.

Last week’s game marked back-to-back 200-yard rushing efforts for Hulin, as he ran for 215 yards and three touchdowns against Lamar School a week earlier. He also rushed for 222 yards and three touchdowns against Kemper County in the season opener. 

Hulin said his off-the-field leadership is as important as what he does on the field, and the role of team leader is one he embraces wholeheartedly.

“Be there for them; be a great teammate and a great friend,” he said. “When you have those sluggish days, try to pick them up. When they’re having a bad day off the field and they come on the field, try to pick them up.”

Northeast Lauderdale coach Curt Blackburn has watched Hulin mature from a wide-eyed freshman to becoming an intergral part of the Trojans’ success. He said Hulin leads by example, and in doing so, has earned the trust of his teammates. 

“In the weight room, he’s going to give 100 percent,” Blackburn said. “Kids respond to him well and pretty much listen to what he asks them to do, because they know he’s going to give 100 percent.”