Highland’s best rusher over the past three years, top active receiver, lead kick returner and starting free safety is one player - Kohner Cullimore. He also played baseball last season and ran track as a sophomore.

The Hawks are off to a 4-0 start for the second straight year, led by an offense that has outscored opponents 195-68. The team offensively has been well rounded, with Cullimore’s hand in all aspects.

“Kid is a football player,” said coach Brock Farrel. “I can line him up anywhere. He’s physical all the time, which is great.”

Entering last Friday’s action, the senior had 22 carries for 207 yards and six scores. Add in his receptions and return and Cullimore has 396 yards, most all-purpose yards on the team. He even has a touchdown pass.

On the other side of the ball, he had the team lead in tackles at 16 and tackles for loss at three. As a junior, he was given the starting safety job and he shined with the third-most tackles, two interceptions and six sacks.

Cullimore’s ability to play multiple positions benefits the team as well as himself. Having the point of view of multiple positions is an advantage to carving up a defense or defending a pass.

“I’ll play wherever coach needs me to,” said Cullimore. “It kind of helps because on defense if I know what the receiver’s tendencies are and I know how to run the routes. It helps me. That also goes with running back and knowing the linebacker and how they feel. Versatility helps a lot.”

The Hawks are 12-2 when Cullimore starts since the start of 2017. He suffered a broken foot late last season and Highland lost 43-7 in week 10 without him.

He worked hard to rehab and improve his body during the offseason.

“He wants to be an elite player in the state,” said coach Farrel. “It showed in his offseason work training. He broke his foot last year and picked back up where he left off”.

Senior starting quarterback Kaleb Herbert has been teammates with Cullimore for multiple years on the field and for a season on the baseball diamond. “He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever seen. Great player, hard worker. Catch him on the baseball field, too,” said Herbert.

Cullimore hit .171 last season with a home run and six stolen bases. In 10 appearances on the mound, he had a 4.32 ERA. As a track runner, he ran an 00:11.74 as his best 100-meter time in 2017.

Highland’s next game is at Basha (4-0) Friday.