Devodney Alford an emerging star for Dr. Phillips football -- Observer Preps

For the third time in as many games this season, Dr. Phillips running back Devodney Alford topped the 100-yard mark Sept. 22, rushing for 146 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers’ big 20-0 win over Mainland.

On the season, Alford has 490 rushing yards through three games and is averaging an incredible 9.1 yards per carry, along with five touchdowns.

Of course, none of this is news to Dr. Phillips head coach Rodney Wells, who said his emerging star deserves some recognition.

“It’s time for him to get his due respect,” Wells said. “He was a great back last year, but he had to share the backfield with two, three seniors.”

Alford said there were many positives to waiting his turn while players such as D.J. Charles and Emare Hogan thrived last fall.

“The seniors last year, they taught me a lot of stuff — I learned from them,” Alford said.

Alford is not the only Dr. Phillips senior having a breakout season, either. 

Senior quarterback BeSean McCray, an East Ridge transfer, has emerged as the Panthers’ second-best rushing threat behind Alford, with 190 yards on 20 carries so far this fall. McCray has thrown for 474 yards through three games and has three passing touchdowns to pair with two rushing touchdowns.

The Mainland victory ended a losing streak to the Buccaneers. Alford’s big role in the victory is part of the reason why teammates such as defensive back and Tennessee commit Tanner Ingle are evangelizing for the talented back.

“I feel like he’s No. 1 in the Central Florida area,” Ingle said. “Just watch the film. The film don’t lie.”