The 12 to Watch in 2012: Central York RB/LB Marquis Fells

This is Part 2 in our continuing blog series, which looks at 12 players to watch during the upcoming YAIAA football season. A reminder, there is one major change from last year's list: In an effort to profile a wider range of teams, I'm only picking one player from each school for the list.

Previous pick: Eastern York RB Alex Cooley.

RB/LB Marquis Fells

Central York, Sr.

2011 stats: 99 rushes, 738 yards, 7.5 avg., 5 TDs

20 receptions, 249 yards, 12.5 avg., 4 TDs

120 tackles, 3 interceptions

There are a lot of intriguing talents on the Panthers’ roster this season -- including cornerback Andrews Dadeboe, who holds an offer from Toledo -- but it’s hard to overlook Fells' combination of speed and explosiveness. Listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Fells won’t intimidate with his size. Still, he’s a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball -- Fells led the Panthers in rushing yards last season and flashed ability as a receiver and return man. Central York coach Brad Livingston said Temple has shown some interest in Fells as a running back.

And that size aside, Livingston said Fells is probably the Panthers’ hardest hitter. As a junior, Fells earned YAIAA Division I first-team honors at linebacker and led Central York in tackles.

Other Panthers to watch: Dadeboe certainly deserves mention here, as a lockdown corner with the potential to contribute in some offensive packages. And don’t sleep on Corey Hartz, who takes over as Central York’s quarterback this year. Hartz impressed during spot duty as a sophomore, but was relegated to the backup job the last two years behind standout passer Brandon Baker. Hartz will get his shot this year, in addition to returning to his starting role at safety. Fellow senior Sherief Sutton also figures to be a valuable asset both at running back and in the front seven on defense.