Grambling State’s Frank Warren – A Stitch in Time

Grambling, LA—A Stitch in time is a sewing phrase used in needle work, embroidery, weaving.  It’s also attributed to a popular 90’s TV show The Outer Limits. And now to Grambling State’s senior running back Frank Warren who has reached beyond the limits of his wildest dreams and stands on the threshold of weaving himself into a special place in Grambling football history.

After a 202 yard performance against the Alcorn State Braves Warren’s rushing total to date stands at 933 and he a mere 67 yards from being the first thousand yards rusher at GSU since Brad Hill went for 1, 032 in 2001.

But that’s just the beginning…

They say records are made to be broken and now Warren, a potential Walter Payton Award candidate, finds himself in a position that he never imagined:  Within striking distance of the Grambling State individual rushing records for most yards by a senior (1,401 Walter Dean, 1990), most yards in a season (1,417 Eric Gant, 1992) and Eric Gant’s all-time career rushing record of 3,795 yards.  Warren is also only 258 yards away from passing Walter Payton for fifth on the Southwestern Athletic Conference career rushing leaders list.

“When I first got here (Grambling) people would tell me about the great Grambling running backs like Walter Dean and Eric Gant.  It’s really a great accomplishment just to be mentioned in the same sentence as those guys,” said Warren.

Having already in his career been named SWAC Freshman of the Year (2007) and  second team All-SWAC (2009) Warren, the consummate team player, is quick to throw the spotlight off himself.  Facing records that have stood since he was one year old Warren credits his offensive line, running backs coach Shawn Gibbs and a new system for his success.

“Breaking records was not one of my goals, as a freshman I was just worried about seeing the field.  When Coach Broadway came in he changed the style we play and it really helped me out,” Warren continued.   “I would love to break a thousand yards and now its close that would be a great accomplishment.  Coach Gibbs helps keep me focused; he reminds that getting close to a thousand yards not to start doing things different.  Every game my line is telling me we’re going to get you that record.  They’re playing great. They’re opening a lot of holes and playing very aggressive they really want to get me those yards, they know if I get those types of yards we have a good chance at winning.

When asked about Warren GSU Head Football Coach Rod Broadway replied, “Frank is a special kid and I’m so happy that we have him.  To see him grow as a person and as a football player from his freshman year to where he is now has been a real joy…now people are beginning to see what we have seen for a long time.  I hope he can finish up strong and make some All-American teams.  I think he’s one of the best players in Black College Football.”

Despite all of the hype surrounding Warren’s success this season, his grid iron objectives remain the same since day one, “Before I leave I would love to be a two-time Black College National Champion.  I would love to be mentioned as one of Grambling’s great running backs, but to be a two-time champion would be great.”

Regardless of the numbers on the stat pages after the final whistle has blown this season, Frank Warren will always own a piece of GSU football history as the Business Management major eagerly anticipates graduation in the Spring of 2011.

“We all struggle to define ourselves; to live our lives with some sense of balance, with one foot in the past, and the other reaching… for an uncertain future.”—The Outer Limits