When you look back at the first eight weeks of the season, one thing that pops out at you is the plethora of big plays that the Senators have gotten from different players.
Guys like two-way lineman Justin Barlow, running back/defensive back Dylan Sawyers, quarterback Blake Plattsmier and linebacker/running back Luke Carter have been models of consistency.
One of the unsung heroes during the Senators' 6-2 start has been outside linebacker/running back Levi Bloxton, who has made significant contributions on offense, defense and special teams.
He has a punt return for a score against Wooster, a TD reception against Reed and a 2-point conversion in the 14-11 loss to Manogue. His interception two weeks ago against Damonte Ranch set up a score.
"I think I've played OK," Bloxton said Tuesday before practice for tonight's game at Fallon (7:30 p.m. kickoff). "I've made a few mistakes, but I keep working to correct those."
His play hasn't gone unnoticed by coach Blair Roman.
"One thing I'll tell you, Levi has the uncanny ability to make big plays," Roman said. "You can see it in the punt returns he's had and the interception against Damonte Ranch. He seems to be in the right place at the right time."
The punt return against Wooster came in the first half of the 56-0 thrashing of the undermanned Colts.
"I was just able to get to the outside," Bloxton said. "(Robert) Figueroa had a good block. I wasn't touched."
Bloxton's biggest contribution has been on defense.
Bloxton took over at "Senator Back" for quarterback Blake Plattsmier, who injured his shoulder earlier this year, causing him to miss one game at quarterback. The
position is a hybrid between strong safety and outside linebacker. Plattsmier has played only offense since the shoulder injury. Roman isn't sure whether Bloxton will continue to start on defense or not as the Senators prepare for the playoffs.
"That remains to be seen," Roman said. "It was a pretty close competition between the two during summer camp. Levi's role at the beginning of the year was to spell Blake on defense. Levi has stepped up and played well.
"Blake can do a lot of things (defensively). There has been very little dropoff since Levi stepped in. Both read (plays) very well."
For Roman, it has become a trust issue. A year ago, the coach freely admits he wouldn't have trusted Bloxton in such an important role. Not so this year.
"The mental side of the game is where he's made the biggest improvement," said Roman, who has coached Bloxton for three seasons. "That is where he struggled the most. I didn't feel confident with him in a significant role. We weren't quite sure he knew what he was doing."
Bloxton said his turnaround has more to do with him buying into what the coaches wanted and expected.
"I'm going a lot harder this year, whether it's jump rope drills or conditioning," Bloxton said. "Last year I didn't push myself. I didn't push myself into conditioning (to get ready for the season). I think of it as being a senior and maturing a little bit."
Roman said Bloxton is a very physical player.
"I'd rank only Junior (Valladares) and a couple of others ahead of Levi in terms of being our biggest hitters. He's really physical. He loves to mix it up."
Bloxton said he'd rather pancake an offensive player than score a touchdown.
"I like defense more than offense," he said. "I'd rather hit somebody. I've always played defense since Pop Warner. I didn't really play offense (seriously) until my sophomore year."