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Courtesy of Taylor University
Lebanon High School graduate Shaun Addison has been a key contributor to Taylor University's resurgence this season, leading the Trojans to their first winning season since 1999 and first top 25 ranking since September 2000. He recently set four school passing records in a 36-35 win over Marian. Contributed photo
Former Lebanon QB finds success at collegiate level
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By Scott Hayes,
Staff Writer
11:23 AM Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Three years ago, Shaun Addison led the Lebanon Warriors to a Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division championship in football.
Addison has carried that winning attitude with him to the collegiate level.
As the starting quarterback at Taylor University, Addison has led the Trojans to their first winning season since 1999. This week, Taylor was ranked No. 25 in the NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, the Trojans’ first appearance in the poll since Sept. 16, 2000.
“It’s been a pretty good year for us,” Addison said. “And it’s been my best year as a quarterback, by far.
“The key has been playing together. My freshman year, two-thirds of the starting lineup were freshmen and sophomores. Playing with each other at this level for two years, knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, that’s been a huge plus.”
Addison has played a big role in the Trojans’ success, guiding them to a 6-3 record, 4-2 in the Mid-States Football Association. In a 36-35 win over Marian College on Oct. 31, Addison broke school records with six touchdown passes, 390 passing yards and 29 completions. His 80.5 completion percentage on the day (29-of-36) was also a school record.
“It was incredible,” Addison said of the Trojans’ come-from-behind win. “Until my brothers and coaches told me about the records after the game, it never even crossed my mind. It was an added bonus to the team accomplishments.”
Earlier in the season, Addison was named the MSFA Player of the Week after throwing for 320 yards and rushing for 139 during a 38-23 win over St. Francis (Ill.).
He credits his success this season to hours and hours of work he put in last spring.
“The game has slowed down significantly since I got to college,” Addison said. “Now, I can look over a defense and understand what they are trying to do and where blitzes are coming from. It’s something I’ve definitely gotten better at since high school. Now, I’m at the point where I can act, not react.
Addison’s growth as a quarterback hasn’t gone unnoticed by his head coach, Ron Korfmacher.
“Shaun has always been characterized by hard work, commitment and hustle,” Korfmacher said. “More recently, he’s really become much more of a leader and a competitor for us. His execution in the final minutes of a game, in the red zone and in tight spaces is one of the big reasons this team has had some success.”
A psychology major, Addison spends between 80-90 hours a week on academics and athletics. He is on pace to graduate a semester early.
“College is significantly more demanding of my time,” Addison said. “My professors expect us to work two hours outside of the classroom and I’m carrying 16 hours this semester, so that’s close to 50 hours of school work a week. Football demands 30-40 hours a week, so it’s like working two full time jobs. I find myself mentally fatigued quite often.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.
The Addison File
Name: Shaun Addison
School: Taylor University
Year: Junior
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 210 lbs
2009 Stats: 2,247 passing yards, 362 rushing yards, 27 total TDs
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10:05 AM, 11/12/2009