When the game ends for Terrell Charles he hopes to eventually parlay his criminal justice degree from Fairmont State University into a career as a Federal Air Marshall. His reason is rather simple.
“That’s the big-picture goal,” Charles said. “I love to help people and I just have always felt like that’s the job for me. To help as many people as I can and not be noticed.
“You know, I kind of feel like that’s the way I am in football. I just want to help us be the best team we can be. I want to play my role, do my part to the best of my abilities and help us be successful. I don’t care about credit, individual accolades or being noticed.”
Trouble is, however, what Charles is doing for FSU’s undefeated football team this fall is hard not to notice. The 5-8, 190-pound junior running back from Elkridge, Md. is currently second in the Mountain East Conference in rushing with 411 yards and four touchdowns on 88 carries. He’s averaging 102.8 yards per game and 4.7 yards per attempt.
In Fairmont’s first four games Charles has rushed for 100 yards or more three times. He’s also the only running back in the MEC to rush for 85 or more yards in each of the first four games. In his first two seasons at FSU, which were both shortened by injuries, he rushed for a combined 548 yards and four TDs on 147 attempts.
Talk to Charles about his impressive start this fall and the youngster is refreshingly unaware of his numbers or what he’s accomplished so far.
“I really don’t look or care about those things,” he said. “I just know I’m fulfilling a role on our team and helping us achieve our ultimate goal which is to win each week.
“My mom (Kashonna Holland) has always told me that no matter what happens in what I’m doing, be it in football or life, to not get big-headed. She’s taught me to stay humble and to keep working hard. I have a tattoo on my arm to remind me of that.”
Tattooed on Charles’ left bicep is Proverbs 11-2 from the Holy Bible which states “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
“I really believe in that and try to live by those words,” Charles said. “I feel blessed to be in the position that I am here. I’m just trying to take advantage of my opportunity and do my job for our team.”
