The Alexander City Outlook

Dadeville’s Caldwell is 4A Back of the Year

Dadeville quarterback Kyle Caldwell was named the Class 4A Back of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
The 5-foot-8, 150-pound senior has started the past two seasons for head coach Richard White’s Tigers, leading them to records of 10-2 and 12-1. Caldwell is the first player to ever win the award for Dadeville.
“This is just another honor on the list for Kyle and the senior class,” White said. “Those guys are the ones that bought into everything when they were freshmen, and my hat’s off to them for sticking with it. I’m glad they’re getting some recognition for that, and it’s good to bring some more positive attention to the program.”
Caldwell was the driving force behind Dadeville’s high-powered offense, which put up more than 30 points per game in each of the last two years. He completed 165 of 242 passes (68 percent) for 2,790 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Caldwell also was a reliable kicker, connecting on 9 out of 13 field goals, 53 of 56 extra points and averaging 42.2 yards per kick on his 22 punts.
Caldwell was a big part of the ground game, as well, gaining 429 rushing yards and scoring nine touchdowns. His ability to use his feet and make something out of nothing could be his best asset, White said.
“When he scrambles, he does so well at keeping his eyes downfield,” White said. “A lot of quarterbacks look down or try to run when they’re in trouble. But he can look and still find somebody on the run while he’s under pressure, and I think that’s why he’s so successful. He can make the defense look foolish at times. He’s just a winner.”
A lot of college coaches hesitate to recruit small players, but White said that shouldn’t be a factor in Caldwell’s case.
“Some recruiters tell me they worry because he’s 5-8, but I tell them I’d take my 5-8 guy over your 6-3 guy,” White said. “He’s a football player and he can make things happen.
“I was at a recruiting fair the other day and had some people asking me about his size. I put in some of his tape, and by the time it was over, we had a crowd. He can do a lot of things well and can play at the next level.”
The Tigers, who were eliminated in the third round of the postseason by eventual champion Thomasville, had their share of come-from-behind victories in 2010. But, Caldwell and the seniors never got worried about overcoming a deficit, and it almost took them to a title.
“These seniors have had a mentality since junior high that they think they’re never going to lose,” White said. “All year, they had a never-give-up attitude.
“Kind of like with Auburn and Cam Newton, it was more than a one-man show, but everyone rallied around (Kyle) when we got down. They had a great mindset and that will go a long way for them.”