Doubt Darius Victor's determination at your own risk.
Despite ranking fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association in rushing (1,021) and third in rushing touchdowns (15), Towson's senior running back called 2015 "my worst season statistically."
While his yardage was a career low in two seasons as the full-time starter, Victor's scoring was three better than his 2014 total of 12 touchdowns. And Victor – who appeared to add more muscle to his 5-foot-8, 227-pound frame – did not miss a game despite suffering a serious ankle injury in a 17-13 loss at league rival Elon in the fourth game of the season and a back ailment that came and went at random times.
"I hate being hurt," Victor said Tuesday at the CAA football media day at M&T Bank Stadium. "Hopefully, I can stay healthy this year and do what I'm blessed to be able to do. That's my main goal – to stay healthy and do the best I can to help my team win. Last year, it was tough, but I didn't miss any games. I played in games hurt, and I felt like I was the decoy most of the time because I was hurt. But I just want to do better, and I'm going to do much more than I did last year."
Asked why he did not consider skipping a game to allow his body to heal, Victor replied, "I've got to go out there with my brothers. I would feel so bad if I didn't go out. When I got hurt at Elon, I was on the sidelines, and I was pretty much crying because I couldn't play. I can't be helpless watching my brothers out there. If there's any way I can help, even if it's a play fake, if it helps the team, I want to be out there to do it. That's how I am."
Tigers coach Rob Ambrose blamed himself for Victor's sudden injury history, arguing that by ordering the tailback to wear a red, non-contact jersey in camp and practices so that he wouldn't injure his teammates on defense, Victor became vulnerable to the pounding he took from opponents during the games.
"To be honest, it's a detriment to him because he wasn't ready to be hit that much," Ambrose said. "So it's walking that fine line of getting him the reps and physicality that he needs to be successful and keeping the rust off and keeping him healthy."