El Reno's Plumley focused on efficiency
EL RENO — Dorian Plumley didn't expect to break out.
He had never played quarterback before. As a freshman, Plumley was a starter at safety. It wasn't until his sophomore year that he became the El Reno's signal caller, and he flourished.
Plumley led El Reno to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 last season. His incredible speed and playmaking abilities were key for an El Reno team that was in rebuild mode. With Plumley heading into his junior season with more experience and a season of leading the offense under his belt, the Indians are looking to contend.
“Last year was kind of tough, jitters every game,” Plumley said. “But this year is going to be a breeze. Coaches are going to make the right calls, and we're going to execute.”
Third-year coach Chuck Atchison said the biggest difference in Plumley's game this season will be his efficiency passing the ball.
Plumley attended various camps this offseason,
working on his mechanics and learning how to read defenses more quickly and accurately. The results have shown in the early days of practice.
Plumley's balls are more sharp and on a line, and he's hitting more routes with excellent accuracy. All of this while comes while Plumley maintains his sprinter pace.
His breakout game came
against Chickasha last season, when he accounted for eight touchdowns, four on the ground and four through the air. During the final week of the regular season, he dashed for 379 rushing yards to help defeat Lawton MacArthur and clinch the eluding playoff berth.
His legs were El Reno's greatest asset last year. After an offseason working on his arm, it's also an integral part of the offense, which is pivotal for El Reno to take that next step of contending.
“He's such a great runner,” Atchison said. “And he's put the work in to be better in the passing game. That's going to help us take some of the pressure off our run game.”
Multiple colleges have begun inquiring about Plumley, and Atchison says more will follow as the season progresses.
At 6- foot- 2 and 195 pounds, Plumley is continuing to grow along with his game. Aside from being more comfortable this season, Plumley said he's excited to see how quickly the team can become cohesive because of the veteran presence among the locker room.
Although Plumley isn't a senior, it doesn't mean he isn't going to be a leader. He doesn't see why he can't be the one to take El Reno on a deep playoff run.
“I don't think there is a ceiling,” Plumley said. “I think the sky is the limit. As long as I have a good team behind me and a good coaching staff, they're going to take me as far as I can go.”