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Sports

Hoover High Quarterback Battles Back After Unexpected Off-Season

Austin Appleby has everything in perspective and looking forward to senior season

Previous football off-seasons for 's Austin Appleby have consisted of playing basketball and baseball. But the course of this off-season for Appleby changed back on Oct. 15 in a football game at Canton McKinley.

He sustained a season-ending right knee injury in the second quarter, just as he felt his team was turning the corner.

"My team was playing well that night and hoping to upset McKinley," Appleby said. "I had just thrown my best pass of the season five plays earlier."

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The high school junior tore two ligaments in that right knee and was operated on a week later in Columbus. A new off-season agenda was placed on the shoulders of the 6-foot-5 quarterback.

Appleby was now faced with bouncing back from knee surgery, helping his football team rebound from a disappointing 3-7 season and continuing to pursue his dream of playing Division I college football.

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That is a plateful of responsibility for a 17-year-old. Many friends and family gave him the same advice, and Appleby has taken it to heart.

"God only gives you what you can handle," Appleby said.

Four months removed from that October McKinley game, Appleby has attacked the new off-season agenda with hard work, determination and a new outlook on life.

"I have everything in perspective and I don't take anything for granted," Appleby said. "I learned it can all be gone in a single play."

Appleby's medical recovery is running a month ahead of schedule. He is able to do dropping and throwing, running and ladder drills — all without pain.

Appleby has enjoyed the chance to actually experience off-season lifting with his football teammates. His work ethic has rubbed off as teammates are increasingly follow his lead, he said. Appleby and his teammates expect a successful season in 2011.

College coaches have not lost faith in Appleby, either. Both Toledo and Kent State University have verbally offered scholarships, he said. Nothing can be officially signed until after Sept. 1.

Appleby plans to attend several college campuses this summer and take official recruiting visits during the fall.

His objective is clear.

"I want to go somewhere, earn my spot and play," Appleby said.

Appleby relishes this time leading up to his senior season, because to him it has all gone by so fast.

"Seems like it was just yesterday, I was sitting in the stands watching Hoover play football and dreaming about being out there," Appleby said. "Now it's me out there and I am motivated being a role model for someone else."

"I know I have eyes on me now and I won't let them down," Appleby added.

Part of his new perspective is a renewed appreciation for those who have been with him along the way.

"I have been surrounded by great people growing up." Appleby said. "My parents and coaches have been tremendous role models."

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