This should be a big year for running backs in the Brazos Valley, and that includes the little guy at Brazos Christian.

While most of the preseason attention has gone to the NCAA Division I prospects and well-known players in the area, Brazos Christian coaches expect a huge year from 5-foot-7 running back Chad Milburn.

After rushing for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, Milburn will enter his senior campaign carrying great expectations and hope of earning a chance to play college football.

Although the small private schools in TAPPS Division IV aren't known for producing college football players, Eagles coach Boyd Brigman believes Milburn is special.

"I don't think there's any question that he's the best back in our division in the state," Brigman said. "He's not real tall, but there's a couple of [colleges] looking at him, and he's been to a couple of camps. With the right fit, he can play in college."

Milburn and the Eagles will play on a new football field this fall. Brazos Christian players also were able to prepare for the season by working out in a new weight room.

Brigman said his star running back prepared as hard as any player on the team in the offseason, showing a greater drive and focus than in previous years.

"It's my senior year, my last year with the guys I grew up with," Milburn said. "I'm going to miss these guys when we leave, and I want to go out there and do my best as a senior."

His friends and classmates are one of the main reasons Milburn never thought about leaving Brazos Christian, where he started in pre-K.

Milburn could have tested himself against stronger athletic competition and gotten more attention from college recruiters if he played at a large school like A&M Consolidated or Bryan. Other players have made the transfer from a private to a big public school for that very reason.

"If I had the same success at a 5A school, it would definitely be easier for me to get recruited, but I'm happy here," Milburn said. "I'm satisfied to play for a small school. Everybody knows everybody here. It's like a big family. I'd like to think that I would do well at one of those bigger schools, but I have no idea. That's a whole different level."

Brigman believes Milburn has enough quickness, vision and balance to succeed against big teams.

"You put him at a 5A high school behind 5A linemen, and he could do the job," Brigman said. "He's a good, good kid who has decided in the last year that he wants to be the best he can be. The best he can be will be good enough for me."

Milburn will run behind a rebuilt offensive line this season. The Eagles also will have a new starting quarterback.

"I'm confident in the offensive line. They always come through in the clutch," Milburn said. "Pretty much every year I've been in high school I've had a new quarterback, so that's nothing new."

Milburn's grandfather played basketball and football at the University of Kentucky, so Chad figures athletic ability runs in his family. His older brother, Matt, was an offensive lineman for the Eagles, and Chad is quick to note that Matt was a fast lineman.

Although Milburn increased his top bench press about 50 pounds to 225 this summer, it is his quickness that comes up first when Brigman provides a scouting report on Brazos Christian's contribution to a bumper crop of running backs in the area.

In the weight room, Brigman gives a nod toward the wall 30 or 40 feet away.

"He can get from here to there," Brigman said, "as fast as anybody."