Indiana’s Mr. Football is one of Marshall-Starke’s Biggest Fans

Myles McLaughlin made headlines during his Knox High School football career.

As a senior, he rushed for 4,846 yards and 71 touchdowns. Both are national records. He is third all-time with 11,839 career rushing yards, ranking behind only the Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry and former Florida Gator Kelvin Taylor.

To his fans, he is Indiana’s Mr. Football and a soon-to-be member of the Murray State University squad.

To the special education students at Knox High School, he’s just Myles, their math tutor and friend.

McLaughlin would not have it any other way.

“When I work with those guys, we usually talk about their sports and stuff,” McLaughlin said. “They asked me all the time to go to their games, so eventually I did. It was great to see them have a chance to perform and show themselves.”

McLaughlin began working with the class as a freshman then moved into the roll full-time as a sophomore. He has built a rapport during the past three years with the class members, most of whom are part of the Marshall-Starke County program.

Volunteering as tutors has become a tradition for the Knox football team. McLaughlin followed in the footsteps of older players, and he hopes it continues for years to come once he has move on.

The relationships he has built has helped him as well, McLaughlin said. Patience, dedication and perseverance are traits that serve well both in math class and on the football field.

“Hard work is universal,” McLaughlin said. “When they want to do something, they work hard to get it done. Just give them a little more time. It’s pretty cool”

McLaughlin worked with one classmate, Carson, who was so proud of earning his high school degree that he invited McLaughlin to walk the stage with him. Another student, David, will attend Grace College in the fall on a scholarship.  

“I really have learned a lot about myself,” McLaughlin said. “I plan to major in special ed or something like that in college.”

The relationships continue outside the classroom as well. Knox is a small town, so the students see each other at grocery stores, fairs and other hangouts.  

As an Indianapolis Colts Player of the Week in December, McLaughlin designated the Marshall-Stark program as his charity of choice.

“I’ve watched Myles grow a lot throughout the years,” Knox High School Athletic Director Neill Minix said. “His patience, maturity and genuine care for our students say everything about who he is.”