Myles McLaughlin Eyes Derrick Henry's National Rushing Record

Myles McLaughlin, a senior quarterback at Knox Community High School in Indiana, is on the verge of breaking Derrick Henry's national high school career rushing record of 12,124 yards, set in 2012. As of now, McLaughlin has accumulated 11,006 career rushing yards and needs 1,121 yards in his final four games to surpass Henry's mark. Knox is currently undefeated at 11-0 and is set to face Mishawaka Marian, who has a record of 4-7, in the IHSAA Class 3A sectional championship.

Indianapolis StarDerrick Henry reacts to Knox's Myles McLaughlin closing in on national rushing recordIndiana QB closing in on Derrick Henry's national high school football rushing recordDerrick Henry sends message to high school player who is closing in on his all-time rushing record

Derrick Henry, now an NFL star with the Baltimore Ravens, has publicly expressed his support for McLaughlin's pursuit of the record. During an interview on Kay Adams' show "Up and Adams," Henry remarked, "Running tough, breaking tackles, he's a beast. Go break it man. Records are meant to be broken." Henry's encouragement adds a layer of motivation for McLaughlin as he aims to not only break the record but also lead his team to a state championship.

McLaughlin's performance this season has been remarkable. He has averaged 364.8 rushing yards per game and has scored 55 touchdowns. In a recent playoff game against Griffith, he rushed for 410 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate on the field. This performance marked his 24th consecutive game with at least 121 rushing yards, further solidifying his status as one of Indiana's most prolific rushers.

To break Henry's record, McLaughlin will need to maintain his high level of performance against tough opponents in the upcoming games. If Knox advances to the state finals, McLaughlin would have the opportunity to break the record in the championship game. This scenario presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the young athlete, as he aims to achieve a historic milestone while contributing to his team's success.

Indianapolis Star

While McLaughlin's achievements have garnered significant attention, some critics argue that the pressure of breaking a long-standing record could impact his performance. The expectations placed on him may lead to increased scrutiny from fans and media alike, which could affect his gameplay. However, supporters emphasize that McLaughlin's talent and determination will guide him through this challenging period.

• “Go break it man. Records are meant to be broken. I hope he wins a state championship with it.” — Derrick Henry, NFL Star

Derrick Henry reacts to Knox's Myles McLaughlin closing in on national rushing record

• “This is crazy.” — Myles McLaughlin, responding to Henry's encouragement

Indiana QB closing in on Derrick Henry's national high school football rushing record

As McLaughlin prepares for the sectional championship against Mishawaka Marian, all eyes will be on him as he attempts to make history in Indiana high school football.

South Bend Tribune