SCSU’s Lewis-Freeman shows that he has what it takes to start at running back

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Dondre Lewis-Freeman had a greater appreciation Saturday afternoon for the adage “Good thing comes to those who wait”.

Since arriving to South Carolina State three years ago as an All-State running back out of Hopewell High School in Charlotte, N.C, Lewis-Freeman had patiently bided his time. After redshirting in 2011 and getting just five carries for 17 yards last year, he entered this season resolved to prove himself worthy of playing time.

“I’ve been hungry ever since the moment I stepped in this program,” Lewis-Freeman said. “I knew we had great backs before me and I’ve just been feeding off of them, wanting to start, wanting to play and wanting to continue to win. We have a legacy of winning the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and I just want to be a part of that.”

With a career-best 140 yards and his first collegiate touchdown in Saturday’s 30-6 win over Hampton, Lewis-Freeman helped the Bulldogs take the first positive step towards regaining the conference title. The performance was also the first 100-yard game by a S.C. State running back since Jalen “Scoot” Simmons rushed for 144 yards against Florida A&M on Oct. 20, 2012.

Shoulder injuries to Simmons, Justin Taylor, freshman Xavier Quick and a season-ending leg injury to Julius Pendergrass opened the door for ...



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