As his senior season approaches, Independence quarterback Javen Colbert knows every snap will carry a little more meaning. After growing up with many of the same teammates, Colbert is looking forward to making the most of one final season together while helping the Bulldogs take the next step as a program.
“I am most excited for the team bonding,” Colbert said. “It’s my last year with the people I’ve grown up with, so all the bus trips, practices and games will all be emotional.”
Colbert enters the season with plenty of experience under center after putting together a productive junior campaign. He completed 61.29% of his passes for 1,104 yards with 13 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. He also proved to be a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 488 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.67 yards per carry. His longest run covered more than 70 yards.
Rather than resting on last season’s success, Colbert spent the offseason sharpening every aspect of his game. He attended football camps, worked with multiple trainers and devoted time to studying film in an effort to become a more complete quarterback.
“I have been going to camps, training with a lot of trainers and studying film,” Colbert said.
One of his biggest priorities has been increasing his speed, an area he believes can elevate his playmaking ability both inside and outside the pocket.
“The area that I’ve been working on to improve is my speed,” Colbert said. “I’ve had a lot of speed training with cones and ladders.”
Colbert has set ambitious goals for his final high school season. Individually, he hopes to become even more dangerous as both a passer and runner while attracting attention from college programs. More importantly, he believes the Bulldogs have the pieces in place to compete for one of the top spots in the Southeast Kansas League.
“My individual goals are to have more rushing stats, passing touchdowns and maybe some offers,” Colbert said. “The team goal is to have more wins than losses. This year is the year we can do it. The other goal is to win the SEK.”
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