Big plays are back in style for Torey French.

The Carmel receiver was derailed by an injury last season, making it difficult for him to show all he can do.

But two games into his senior season, French is not only fully healthy, but also has designs on punishing opposing defenses in as many ways as possible.

“I’m just a playmaker,” French said. “I don’t like to get tackled. A lot of people say I’m the shifty, quick guy that you’ve got to throw everyone at, but if I get into open space, I like my chances.”

The 5-foot-8, 165-pound French has flashed on several fronts for the Corsairs, and that included multiple chunk yardage plays in their 20-10 nonconference road win against Lake Forest on Friday.

French had four catches for 53 yards, including a 34-yard grab, as well as a 33-yard reverse and a 54-yard kickoff return that set up Carmel (2-0) deep in Scouts territory to start a drive. He had 147 yards receiving and two TDs in the Corsairs’ season-opening win against Crete-Monee.

“We know that when we call his number, he’s going to make plays,” Carmel coach Jason McKie said. “He’s a hardworking kid and a really ambitious kid with a lot of goals. He’s earned this and is seeing the fruits of his labor, and I think he’ll continue to get better.”

French dedicated himself to doing just that in the wake of the torn hip flexor he suffered on the opening kickoff of the 2022 season. He missed several weeks and returned to contribute during Carmel’s playoff run. But the experience left him wanting more, and he doubled down on his commitment during the offseason.

“I was training 24/7, and it took me to a whole new mental level,” French said. “I do therapy to this day once per week, I’m soaking, doing ice baths and a lot of one-on-one training with my trainer as well. I know in my heart that I’m not a sideline guy and I need to be out on the field.”

Johnny Weber, Carmel’s third-year starting quarterback, agrees. The two have connected since they were freshmen.

“When you have a kid as athletic as him, you just want to put the ball in his hands,” Weber said. “We’re drawing up so many ways to get him the football. He’s fast as heck and shifty as all get-out, so you get him the ball and let him go to work.

“It’s really special to have someone like him because defenses have to cater to him, and we have other weapons.”

As much success as French is having, there remains unfinished business for the Corsairs as they navigate a rugged schedule, and he knows he can tighten up his game as well.

French said he felt like he left some yards out there on the reverse against Lake Forest, and he and Weber failed to connect on a long pass play in the first half even though French streaked past the Scouts’ secondary into the end zone.

“That was a play we designed for the coverage they were running this week,” French said. “We had the look we wanted. It’s just got to be a little better timing. Eventually that’ll be a touchdown every single time.”

One weight off French’s shoulders: He committed to play at Indiana State shortly before official practices began. That has allowed him to focus on the task at hand.

Which involves continuous improvement.

“I still have a lot to prove,” French said. “I do believe I’m one of the top receivers in the state. People may not see me that way, but you’re going to have to come out and face me. I don’t think any defensive back can guard me one-on-one.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.

Originally Published: Sep 02, 2023 at 12:11 am