Quick Read
- Knox High School’s Myles McLaughlin has rushed for 4,396 yards this season and 11,389 yards in his high school career.
- He broke Indiana’s all-time rushing record and is 309 yards shy of breaking the national single-season record.
- Rob Gronkowski and Derrick Henry have publicly praised and encouraged McLaughlin’s pursuit of new records.
- If Knox advances to the state championship, McLaughlin could play up to three more games, boosting his record chase.
Myles McLaughlin’s Unstoppable Season: A New Chapter in High School Football
In the heart of Indiana, a high school athlete is doing what many believed was impossible. Myles McLaughlin, the running back for Knox High School, has become a sensation, not just in his hometown but across the nation. With every explosive run and every broken tackle, McLaughlin is etching his name deeper into the annals of high school football history.
Breaking the Mold: Shattering State and National Records
By the numbers, McLaughlin’s season reads like something out of a video game. Rushing for an astounding 4,396 yards this season alone, he’s elevated his career total to a staggering 11,389 yards. These aren’t just impressive statistics—they’re record-breaking. Earlier this year, McLaughlin surpassed the Indiana state career rushing record previously held by Charlie Spegal, whose 10,867 yards had seemed untouchable for years (SSBCrack News).
But for McLaughlin, this wasn’t enough. With Knox High School deep in the state playoffs and preparing for a crucial Class 3A regional matchup against Angola, the national spotlight has only grown brighter. The single-season national rushing record—4,704 yards, set by Dominick Bragalone of South Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 2014—is now within striking distance. McLaughlin, averaging an electrifying 366.3 rushing yards per game, needs just 309 more yards to claim yet another place in history.
From Local Star to National Phenomenon: NFL Legends Take Notice
It’s not just fans and local reporters tracking McLaughlin’s progress. His highlights have made their way to national television, catching the eyes of former NFL greats. Rob Gronkowski, the legendary tight end turned FOX NFL Sunday analyst, recently broke down McLaughlin’s game on the “Up and Adams” show. Gronkowski’s admiration was clear: “What I really like about this kid is his lateral movement, the way he is able to see the field,” Gronkowski said. “He doesn’t slow down. When he makes a cut, it is actually at full speed, which is kind of ridiculous.” (SSBCrack News)
Gronkowski’s praise didn’t stop at technique. He compared McLaughlin’s ability to seasoned college and even NFL running backs, calling his style “reckless” in the best sense—fearless, dynamic, and impossible to predict. “He’s a beast,” Gronkowski added, underscoring the impact McLaughlin has had not just on the scoreboard, but on those who know what it takes to excel at the next level (el-Balad).
Chasing Legends: Derrick Henry’s Endorsement
Among the names McLaughlin is chasing in the record books is none other than Derrick Henry, the current Baltimore Ravens star who set the high school career rushing record at 12,124 yards while at Yulee High School in Florida. The idea that someone might break Henry’s mark was almost unthinkable—until now.
Henry himself is watching. In a conversation with Kay Adams, he expressed genuine excitement at the prospect of his record falling. “I hope McLaughlin breaks my record,” Henry said, adding his name to the growing list of elite players rooting for the Knox standout. The torch, it seems, is ready to be passed, and Henry is more than willing to see his legacy extended by a worthy successor.
High Stakes and Higher Hopes: The Road to Lucas Oil Stadium
With every game, the pressure mounts. If Knox continues its postseason run, McLaughlin could have up to three more games to add to his totals, culminating in a possible appearance at the Class 3A state championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28. Each yard gained not only brings him closer to individual records but also to the dream of a state title—something that would cement this season as one of the most storied in Indiana high school football history.
What sets McLaughlin apart isn’t just the volume of his numbers, but the consistency and resilience he displays week in and week out. Defenses know what’s coming, but stopping him has proven nearly impossible. His combination of vision, balance, and breakaway speed has made him a nightmare for opposing coordinators and a thrill for anyone who loves the game.
Inspiration Beyond the Field
McLaughlin’s rise has had ripple effects far beyond Friday night lights. Young athletes across Indiana—and the nation—are taking notice. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the ability to seize the moment when opportunity knocks. For every record he chases, there are countless kids watching, dreaming, and believing that maybe, just maybe, they can be next.
In an era where high school sports are often overshadowed by college recruiting battles and professional contracts, McLaughlin’s story is refreshingly pure. It’s about the love of the game, the pride of representing your community, and the pursuit of excellence for its own sake.
Myles McLaughlin’s historic season stands as a powerful reminder that greatness can come from anywhere, and that records—no matter how daunting—are made to be broken. As he races toward history, McLaughlin has already achieved something even rarer: he’s captured the imagination of a nation, uniting fans and legends alike in celebration of what’s possible when talent, grit, and timing come together.