Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Eisenhower’s Colby Haag has filled a need at fullback.

LANDER — Every lineman dreams of scoring a touchdown sometime in his career, but not many get that opportunity.

Eisenhower senior fullback Colby Haag made sure his dream became reality.

Not many make the decision to change positions from starting offensive lineman to fullback in their senior year of high school, but Colby Haag is the exception

Colby moved into the starting lineup on the defensive line midway during his freshman season and became a two-way starter his sophomore year where he grew into a 6-foot, 245-pound mainstay.

“We need an athlete at fullback in our offense and, with Cael Black moving to tailback, there was an opening and with Colby’s athleticism I approached him about it and he was excited from the start,” Eisenhower coach Jim Penley said.

Haag agreed.

“I love defense, but when coach told me I get to have a running start when I block, I knew it was the right move for me,” he said.

Colby didn’t want to brag, but his coach had no problem doing so when talking about his player’s defensive abilities.

“Colby just has a non-stop motor, he has taken the mantle as the leader of the defense, he is always pushing his teammates to be better,” Penley said.

Colby also took the time to answer a few questions while watching Eisenhower’s junior varsity football team warm up prior to its game.

¯ What’s been the hardest part about moving from guard to fullback?

“Losing 35 pounds was absolutely the hardest part,” he said. “Oh, and learning the plays.”

¯ Do you have more appreciation for your fellow linemen now that they are blocking for you?

“Absolutely,” Colby said. “I loved playing with those guys last year, I love my linemen — Beers, Porter, Younger and Jaquay. They are like brothers to me. … I try to help Caleb Penley now since he’s in my spot on the line.”

¯ Interests outside of football?

” I love hunting, fishing, just being outside,” Colby said. “I’d like to go into forestry after I get out of high school.”

¯ What is one thing everyone SHOULD know about you?

“I don’t know,” Colby said after much thought. “I guess it’s that I am very respectful of everyone.”

Although Colby is very much a team player, Penley said he “came into this season wanting to make a statement. … He pushes himself to set an example for his younger teammates. … He holds them accountable”

Added Colby: “We have a great group of seniors that I love playing football with.

“We are tired of losing, we are focused and our goal is to win and leave no doubt we were here.”

Penley said that Colby “very much wants to tell his own story.”

“I’m happy for him. For his success, is the team’s.”

The Knights (2-0) are pack in action at 7 p.m. Friday when they host Seneca.