ALL-AREA 2008: Dadeville’s McKinney prospered in new offense

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series of the Opelika-Auburn News’ All-Area awards for the 2008 high school football season.

What a difference a year makes.

This time last year Dadeville’s Tre McKinney was still licking the wounds from an 0-10 season.

And being a wide receiver in a power-running offense, he certainly didn’t have big individual numbers to use for solace.

But the big changes for McKinney came when Dadeville head coach Richard White revamped his offense — switching from a traditional I-formation to the Tony Franklin spread offense.

That meant working more than just two receivers on offensive plays — and meant McKinney was about to see more playing time.

But McKinney did more in 2008 than just fill a spot on the field — he became the go-to target for quarterback Eric Vickers, who passed for 1,947 yards and 26 touchdowns.

And his play was an integral part in Dadeville becoming the first team in state history to go from 0-10 to 10-0 in a regular season in consecutive years.

The Tigers finished 11-1, falling in the second round of the state playoffs.

Because of his stellar season — going from a virtual unknown commodity to an All-State honorable mention wide receiver, McKinney is the 2008 Breakthrough Performer of the Year.

“I was just focused on changing things after going 0-10,” McKinney said. “I gave it my all, and hopefully made a big difference.

“Last year hurt a lot. It was a bad feeling, but in the summer we started working hard and were determined that wasn’t going to happen again.”

McKinney caught 56 passes in 2008 — nearly half of Vickers’ 137 completions.

And those 56 catches led to 886 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also tacked on 11 carries for 102 yards rushing.

While McKinney admitted he wanted the ball in his hands, he said helping others get in on plays was also important to him.

“I wanted the ball, but I wasn’t a selfish player,” McKinney said. “I wanted to get my team involved and let other people make plays.

“But most of the time the ball was thrown to me, so I got it and did what I had to do.”

McKinney’s outstanding stats at wide receiver were the attention grabbers, but it wasn’t the only area where he excelled.

The senior also played defensive back for the Tigers, picking up 30 tackles with six interceptions and seven pass breakups.

He returned a pick for a touchdown during the Tigers’ win at LaFayette.

He was also a dangerous kick returner, picking up 346 yards with a touchdown.

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