Packers running back James Starks was a little-noticed high school football player in Niagra Falls, New York, who took only got one scholarship offer, to nearby Buffalo University. Then he was a little-noticed college football player whom the Packers took a chance on in the sixth round of this year's draft.
And now he's the star of the Packers' playoff win over the Eagles.
Starks rushed for just 101 yards in his entire rookie season, but he had 23 carries for 123 yards on Sunday against the Eagles, and he said he attributes that to doing a lot more than just standing around on the sideline while waiting for an opportunity this season.
"I was ready for that situation," Starks said. "Hard work does really pay off. I'm a very firm believer in that. I'm going to continue to work hard and continue to try to get better be the best athlete I can for the team. When my number is called I have to be ready."
No one expected Starks to have the kind of game he had, but after he picked up 27 yards on his first carry, Packers coach Mike McCarthy decided to keep going back to him.
"He established a hot hand early, and I rode it," McCarthy said. "James was a difference-maker."
After the 21-16 upset in Philadelphia, the Packers hope he can be a difference-maker again in Atlanta.
James Starks on His Breakout Game vs. Eagles: 'Hard Work Pays Off'
Jan 10, 2011 – 2:42 PM
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