The Catholic High School crowd held its collective breath Friday night in Olympia Stadium as the team’s star running back and LSU 2015 target struggled to stand after taking a hit to his leg.
Following a handoff in the third quarter, junior running back Derrius Guice took a shot from a Parkview Baptist defender and needed assistance to walk off the field.
Though Guice said his leg was badly bruised, the damage had already been done in the contest.
In only two and a half quarters, Guice ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while also tacking on a key punt return to help put the Bears in solid field position.
“He’s a freak,” Catholic High defensive coordinator Anthony Camp said. “Kids like that don’t come around very often. I’m glad he’s on our team because I’d hate to defend against him. That kid runs his heart out, and it’s fun to watch.”
The 5-foot-11-inch, 205-pound running back bowled over defenders and spun through would-be tacklers throughout the night, helping Catholic trample Parkview Baptist 28-6.
Guice’s talents have not gone unnoticed at the collegiate level. LSU offered the junior a scholarship in April, and programs like Florida, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and UCLA are all reportedly intrigued by the Baton Rouge prospect.
The addition of Guice would be another noteworthy running back addition to the LSU 2015 recruiting class.
Four-star University Lab running back recruit Nick Brossette committed to the program in August, and both Brossette and Guice rank in ESPN’s Junior 300.
LSU is also one of a number of programs that have offered 2014, 5-star running back recruit Leonard Fournette a scholarship.
LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was in attendance Friday night as Guice put on a show.
Guice said the recruiting process hasn’t affected him.
“There’s not any pressure at all because my coach always tells us to not let [recruiting] get to our heads,” he said. “It’s not really bothering me.”
For now, Guice will continue torching opposing defenses at the prep level. His presence alone is making Catholic High a better team overall.
“Derrius always has a smile on his face, and he’s always picking guys up and everything,” Camp said. “To have an athlete of that magnitude and to be able to go through spring against that guy, that makes us a better defensive team because we’re not going to see a better running back than him.”
Camp went on to mention that the sky is the limit for the running back.
After rushing for nearly 850 yards and 12 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign, Guice will be looking to improve after a stellar debut. The junior showed off every facet of his game Friday night before his injury.
“I just do whatever I’ve got to do for the team,” Guice said. “All the stuff I’ve prepared for and all of the hard work this summer is just paying off for me. I just have to keep it going and stay healthy.”
That being said, Guice now has several hurdles to overcome in the coming weeks. The running back could be seen on crutches following the Bears’ victory, and he was emotional as the clock ticked down to end regulation.
Guice said he suffered a deep bruise on the hit in the second half, but he’s expecting to be back on the field soon enough.
Then Bear and Tiger fans will be able to take a collective sigh of relief.
“He’s a freak. Kids like that don’t come around very often. I’m glad he’s on our team, because I’d hate to defend against him. That kid runs his heart out, and it’s fun to watch.”
Former Catholic High School and current LSU freshman running back Derrius Guice (20) runs past a Parkview Baptist defender Sept. 6, 2013 during Bears' 28-6 victory against the Eagles at Olympia Stadium.
