The Hoover High running back was devastated. He couldn’t play in the biggest game of the year for Hoover and Glendale because he was academically ineligible.
“It broke my heart,” Tello said. “I was very emotional.”
That was last year.
This year, Tello remembered the sting of not being able to play, and had a renewed focus in the classroom and on the field in his senior year.
He set out to prove himself to his teammates and his coaches that he was mature and prepared to work.
He showed he was committed and willing to work hard from the first game of the season.
A 138-yard effort against Sierra Vista in the season opener showed Hoover the assets he brought to the team.
“He brings the aggressiveness to our team,” Tornadoes quarterback AJ Pule said. “We’re much more of a balanced team with him.”
Hoover has also been a better team with Tello in the backfield.
A year ago, Hoover used a spread offense and passed more often than not. This year, defenses have had to respect Tello’s talents, allowing Hoover to feature a running game that was almost non-existent last year. The running game has allowed Hoover to make vast improvements and come closer to opponents throughout the year.
The Tornadoes came close to a win against Sierra Vista, but lost, 12-8.
They got their first win in two years a week later against South Pasadena in a game in which Tello had 102 yards rushing and had the game-winning 12-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“We have more confidence,” Tello said. “My teammates have more trust in me. I feel like I’ve made a difference.”
Tornado Coach Chris Long knows Tello has made a difference.
“He’s meant a lot to us,” Long said. “He’s our running game. He’s given us a balanced attack. He can read the defense and cut it back. He’s a tough, hard-nosed kid.”
As a runner, Tello is a battering ram.
