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It’s very rare in high school football that you get a player who makes a difference all four years he’s at the school.

Ethan Ledford is one of the select few.

Ledford, the All-Time Leading Rusher at Morristown East, signed on Wednesday to continue his football and academic careers at the University of the Cumberlands.

“It really is just a blessing to get the opportunity to play at the next level,” Ledford said. “Not everyone gets the opportunity, so I am not taking it for granted. It’s a big moment for me, and I can’t wait to get to the next level.”

When mulling over where he wanted to play football for the next four years, Ledford felt at home at the University of the Cumberlands and ultimately decided that was the best fit for him.

“It’s a good school, both athletically and academically,” Ledford said. “They have a good football team, and I love the coaching staff. I just love the environment up there, I am excited to go.”

It’s been a high school career for the record books for Ledford as he finished his career with 3,492 career rushing yards. That topped the previous school record by 47 yards.

Ledford broke the record during the final game of the regular season against William Blount. Challenged to remain focused on the game after he broke the record, that moment will be one Ledford won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

“It was a very emotional moment,” Ledford said. “I try and work hard at everything I do. Being able to break that record, it wasn’t easy to stand there with a straight face. It was very emotional and when I look back at it, I wish I could do it again and just replay that moment.”

Ledford’s East career started earlier than anyone probably expected as he got significant playing time during his freshman season.

That playing time forced Ledford to grow up quickly and get used to the high school level, something that greatly benefitted him later on down the road.

“I was really nervous early on,” Ledford said. “Coming from middle school up to high school, it was a different speed and different type of game. It’s one of those things that when I got the opportunity, I just had to go do it.”

Ledford’s freshman season was also Caleb Slover’s first as head coach of East. Being able to watch Ledford grow over the last four years has been incredibly rewarding for Slover as he will miss not having Ledford in the backfield next season.

“His freshman year, we weren’t planning on him being the guy,” Slover said. “We had some injuries, so he ended up having to be that guy. He did a good job as a freshman, and you could see some opportunities and potential. He really had a breakout year after that and did some things his junior year, as well. We knew eyes were going to be on him this year, but he ended up breaking the school rushing record.

“He’s all heart. He’s determined and runs hard. He does everything you ask him to do. He’s fought a lot of battles and has made it through. This is a great opportunity for him to get to go to school and get it paid for and be able to make a better opportunity for himself and his family.”

After that freshman season, Ledford became the first sophomore in East history to rush for over 1,000 yards. He followed it up with 1,038 yards during his junior season and then rushed for 913 yards and four scores in 2022.

Ledford capped off his high school career by helping the ‘Canes reach the playoffs in 6A. While the end result was not what he wanted, being able to check off that goal was a big moment.

“To be able to finish my high school career and go to the playoffs, something we’ve not done recently, it meant a lot,” Ledford said. “Playing Maryville, maybe not. But other than that, it was pretty great.”

Before he arrives at the University of the Cumberlands, Ledford wants to work on bulking up and gaining more speed.

But for the next few months before college begins, Ledford will be cherishing his time at East and all the memories he made on the football field.