Cedrick Delaney: A Dominant Force

Last year, he spent most of the season on the bench due to a fractured leg. While on the bench he would watch senior teammates Dominique Terrell and Lucky Whitehead lead the team to the Virginia High School League Division 5 semifinals.

Osbourn’s slot back/cornerback,  Cedrick Delaney refused to let the setback keep him down. It only inspired him to come back stronger.

“Watching those two (Terrell and Whitehead) play, I knew I wanted to be as special as them," Delaney said. "Personally, I look up to Whitehead and have seen what’s made him successful and added to my game."

Delaney was in prime shape when he suffered the leg injury. At first, he was worried if he would be able to play in college.

“It was a difficult time for me, both physically and mentally," he said. "As a junior, I felt this was my year to impress college scouts. Sitting on the sidelines and not being on the field, limited that opportunity."

Despite the setback, Delaney remained upbeat with the help of the team and family.

“I was blessed to be around such a supportive group of people. My team and family forced me to focus on the positive. In doing so, I came back a stronger player,” he said.

Delaney came back to a team that had lost several strong players. With the loss of offensive threat Terrell to the University of Virginia and Whitehead to Dean, Delaney knew the stage was set for him—all he had to do was step up to the plate.

And he did.

Delaney has run for 1232 yards on 147 attempts so far in the season, and has eight receptions for 122 yards.  He has 20 rushing touchdowns and one reception, and is one for one as quarterback throwing for 21 yards.

His efforts are why the Eagles sit 7-3 going in the Cedar Run District Tournament.

“A lot of individuals questioned whether or not I was going to be able to compete. I had a mindset of proving them wrong,” Delaney said.

Despite the desire to silence his critics, Delaney cites hard work, dedication and perseverance as the keys to his success.

“I’ve done a lot things to make myself a great player, but that is little compared to my teammates and the coaching staff who have been by my side throughout the season,” he said.

In preparation of the post-season, Delaney says he hopes to surpass the team’s semifinal loss last year and win States.

“If the entire team continues working hard and giving it all we have, then States is something we can call our own,” he said.

Personally, Delaney hopes to continue his impressive performance.

“I want to rush for a over 1500 yards and have over 30 touchdowns" and "win the Offensive Player of the Year award,” he said.

Delaney is in talks with several colleges, but has set his sights on West Virginia University.

“The school’s style of play and offensive set-up suits me. It allows me to utilize my strength, which is speed,” he said.

“Delaney’s quickness and vision for the game is what has made him such a dominant player and will help on the next level,” Osbourn Football Head Coach Steve Schultze said.

Delaney is a player who has overcame adverse conditions, which have only made him stronger. By refusing to let naysayers bring him down and stepping into the shoes of graduated seniors, Delaney showed his character.

And that is what makes Delaney the Manassas Patch Athlete of the Week.

Delaney's season highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTxNNqWz7is