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Matt Colburn
Running back Matt Colburn (left) of Dutch Fork High School accepts the Mr. Football trophy from Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative CEO Bob Paulling during the Touchstone Energy Bowl in Myrtle Beach.
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Matthew Colburn
Matt Colburn from Dutch Fork High School is South Carolina's Mr. Football for 2014
(MYRTLE BEACH)—Dutch Fork High School running back Matt Colburn is the recipient of the 2014 South Carolina Mr. Football award. Colburn is the 20th winner of the award that is recognized as the state’s top individual honor in high school football. Colburn was in Myrtle Beach with four other award finalists for the announcement made during halftime of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl.
"I'm at a loss for words," said Colburn. "It means a great deal to me. It makes all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears all the more memorable."
Colburn will play college football at the University of Louisville in 2015. He made his college commitment last June, three months before his senior season began at Dutch Fork. Though injured for a portion of his final high school season, Colburn managed to rush for 1,264 yards and 24 touchdowns. He finished his three-year career with 4,997 rushing yards and 84 touchdowns. In 2013, the Colburn led the Silver Foxes to the 4-A state championship, rushing for 2,289 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Colburn wins the award over four other prep standouts: Dupree Hart of Northwestern High School, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside of Dorman High School, Zack Bailey of Summerville High School and Kelly Bryant of Wren High School.
"It's just an honor even to be considered," said Colburn. "If you would have told me a few years ago that I would be a finalist for Mr. Football, I would have looked at you like you were crazy."
The South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association established the South Carolina Mr. Football award as part of the annual North vs. South All-Star Game in 1995. The association selects the finalists and recipient.