Throughout his high school days former Creston star running back Justin Hoskins had one major goal - a championship. But after falling short in his prep career, the now fifth-year senior at Central Michigan has two, thanks to back-to-back MAC Titles the past two years.
"At Creston I always wanted to get a ring, but we always fell short. But the past two years have been amazing. To finally get it done has been great,"
explained Hoskins.
It hasn't all been glory and championship rings for Hoskins, however. After a superb career at Creston in which he was named Michigan's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003, Hoskins signed with Notre Dame and c oach Tyrone Willingham. But after two years in the program Charlie Weis replaced Willingham. Hoskins chose to leave the Irish and transferred to Central Michigan and former Grand Valley State head coach Brian Kelly.
After sitting out 2006 under NCAA rules, Hoskins split carries for the Chippewas under Butch Jones, who took over when Kelly signed with Cincinnati. Despite splitting carries, Hoskins still managed to make the all-MAC third team after rushing for 10 touchdowns, 664 yards, and a stellar 5.8 yards per carry average.
But in a win against Akron late in the season Hoskins sustained a serious ankle injury, forcing him out of the season finale and limiting him for the Chippewa's bowl game against Purdue.
The injuries didn't stop there. During spring ball this year Catholic Central grad Vincent Agnew wrapped up Hoskins' ankle. When Hoskins tried to pull free his knee twisted, tearing ligaments for which he is now rehabbing.
"Right now I'm ahead of schedule. I wasn't supposed to be running until the middle of July, but I was able to start at the beginning of the month. I'm feeling good and looking forward to being ready to report to camp August 31st healthy."
As one of the leaders on a team that has experienced new-found success over the past couple of years, Hoskins knows his knee rehab is a way to show his dedication and hard work.
"I've made it a goal to not miss any rehab and to set an example for the other guys. I want to be a leader both off and on the football field,"
explained Hoskins.
As for the team, the fifth-year senior wants to cap his career by putting the Chippewas on the map.
"I want to get us into the top 25. At Notre Dame I played against big-name players and big-name programs, and these guys can play with them. We just have to believe. If we do that, we're going to make CMU known throughout not only Michigan, but the entire USA."
The Chippewas will have a chance to do just that in their second game on the season as they travel south to take on SEC powerhouse and likely preseason No.1 Georgia. No matter what happens though, Hoskins is happy in Mount Pleasant.
"This is where I'm supposed to be. We have a great team and great guys. I was meant to be a Chip."
