By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
The opportunity to play college football came a lot later than he would have liked, but late is much better than never for now-graduated T.R. Miller Tiger Justin Gomez.
The 5-9, 202-pound running back/fullback will get a chance to show off his skills this fall at Faulkner University, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member located at Montgomery.
This fall will be the first season of football competition for Faulkner.
Last fall Gomez led the Tigers in rushing with 810 yards on 137 carries, a 5.9 yards per attempt average, and 26 touchdowns. He also added 20 receptions for 251 yards and two more scores through receiving. Gomez also led T.R. Miller in tackles on the defensive side of the ball.
Gomez said Faulkner is probably looking at him as an outside linebacker.
Riggs said Gomez is taking additional skills with him to Faulkner.
Gomez was a late addition to the upcoming North-South All-Star Game, which will be played later this week in Huntsville.
importantly it's a chance for him to get back in the football mode. He didn't have spring training this year like he has in the past and he hasn't been on the field from a competitive standpoint since our season ended last November,” said Riggs.
Gomez plans to study athletic training at Faulkner.