Xavier Harrell admits that sometimes it was hard getting up during the summer to put in the extra work required to become an elite football player.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior running back and linebacker at Arapahoe High School is excelling this season in part because of the extra workouts he carried out during the summer.

He was involved in different speed training workouts, specific football drills plus training with fellow Arapahoe players.

“Some mornings it was hard getting up,” said the unassuming Harrell, who carries a 3.91 grade-point average. “I just had to think how it was going to pay off. Looking back now, I think I enjoyed it. I can definitely feel the hard work I put in has paid off.”

Key stats

After five games, Harrell was averaging 111.1 yards per game rushing with 557 yards for 6.96 yards per carry. He has completed one pass for 20 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes. He has played sparingly at linebacker since he has been needed to play more in the offensive backfield.

COACH'S TAKE:

`With work he put in during the offseason, he is demonstrating so much on the field. He can run inside, outside and has been extremely durable. Frankly he could be our outside linebacker, he is so good. We're trying to spell him and not overuse him.'

Rod Sherman,

Arapahoe head football coach

Q&A with Harrell

What's your favorite pre-game meal?

I definitely like pasta, nothing specific. Anything noodles.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Adrian Peterson. He was my idol growing up and I always watched his games.

What would be a perfect performance in your sport?

Two hundred all-purpose yards, maybe three touchdowns, no fumbles and on defense a pick and a handful of tackles.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Probably AP bio right now. I want to go into pre-med in college and go down that track. I find it interesting,

What do you like to do away from sports and school?

I hang out with my friends. I play a lot of video games. I'm a big gamer for sure.

What are your plans after high school?

I want to play football in college wherever I have the opportunity and go down the pre-med track and biology.

Do you have any pre-game habits or rituals?

I always wear the same undershirt for every game for the past two years. It probably stinks pretty bad, Just on the bus on the way to a game, I don't say a single word.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Longest Yard.” I've watched it a couple hundred times. It's a football movie and it is funny with Adam Sandler