Orange County Player of the Week : Todd Always Shows His Best Side : Laguna Beach Running Back Also Stars as Linebacker

Jonathan Todd of Laguna Beach High School likens football to the “push-me, pull-you” animal in the tales of Doctor Dolittle. Either he’s trying to pull away from the defense or push away the offense.

Todd is one of the many high school athletes who play offense and defense. And he plays both very well.

Last Friday night, The Times’ Player of the Week rushed for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns in 36 carries as the Artists beat Valley Christian, 16-14. Todd also played middle linebacker.

Though Todd says playing both positions is tiring, he believes it gives him extra insight.

“I like both positions, really,” said Todd. “I think both positions complement each other. And it helps me predict what’s going to happen. If I’m playing middle linebacker, I have a good idea where the running back is going. If I’m the running back, I know how to watch out for the linebacker. Knowing how both positions think helps you play smart.”

Todd set a goal of 1,000 yards rushing for his senior season. That might need an adjustment, however, since he has 776 yards with six games remaining.

“I guess I’m sort of surprised that I’ve come this far already,” Todd said. “But our (offensive) line is so great this year. I knew they were going to be. I was lifting with them all summer. . . . We’ve all gotten really strong.”

Todd said he lifts weights “to prevent injuries and help my confidence. I don’t want to get any bigger. I want to be as strong as I can, but I don’t want to lose any speed.”

His college plans are still open. Todd said he will play whatever position his future coach chooses.

“I like (playing) running back; it’s like fear at work,” he said. “But tackling’s neat. It’s great to stick people. But I’ll just play whatever the coach wants me to, I guess.”

Jonathan Todd

Laguna Beach High School

Position: Running back and middle linebacker.

Height, Weight, Class: 5-11, 210, Sr.

Last Week: Rushed for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns in 36 carries in 16-14 victory over Valley Christian.

Season: In four nonleague victories, Todd has led the Artists with 776 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns.