He might be the focal point of the offense these days, but Samuel Grisham still has a fullback’s mentality.

Stoic. Workmanlike. And he still can deliver a blow.

In other words, exactly the kind of quarterback Lauderdale County’s veer offense calls for.

In his first year as the Tigers’ starter, the junior rushed for 1,806 yards and 18 touchdowns on 208 caries.

Most of those were tough ones, breaking tackles or carrying defenders. Just like he used to do at his old position.

“I played fullback until eighth grade,” Grisham said. “My friend was the quarterback and he got injured, so they moved me there. I also used to play linebacker (as a freshman). I’ve always liked contact and playing physical.”

That paid dividends for Lauderdale County this season, as Grisham lead the Class 3A Tigers to a 12-2 record and their first semifinals appearance since 1995.

As a player, Grisham believes he improved most in his decision making in the last year. That’s always important for a quarterback, even in a run-based scheme like the Tigers’.

“I don’t know who’s going to run the ball when I call the play,” Lauderdale County coach Bob Grisham said. “It’s based on what the defense does, so a lot of it is on Samuel’s shoulders. He does a good job of reading it and holding the ball or giving it up.”

And while he put on 10 pounds in the weight room, the quarterback didn’t lose a step

“That’s an area he’s improved, too,” Bob Grisham said. “This year he didn’t get caught from behind when he broke free.

“He’s a strong runner, too. He’s really a fullback playing quarterback, but we’ve got two years of quarterback invested in him, and he’ll be the quarterback again next year.”

Samuel Grisham will be the first quarterback the coach has had for two seasons as a starter. He expects it to be another strong one for the Tigers.

“We lose a lot on defense,” Samuel Grisham said, “but as long as everybody steps up like we’re capable of doing, we should have a good year.”

Bryan App can be reached at 256-740-5730 or shoalspreps@gmail.com. Follow @bappster on Twitter.