[EKUAlum05]

It is no secret when people are asked to list the best players in the state, in particular RB, you will hear the same names mentioned. But, Thomas Varney usually doesn't get that notoriety except from people who have seen him play.

Varney is a SR for Belfry, and thusfar has had a fine career. He is a 3 year starter and last year was actually Belfry's leading rusher with 1373 yards on 133 carries (over 10 ypc average) and 16TD's. He also was Belfry's top receiver with 249 yards on 12 catches and 4 TD's.

This year he is off to a solid start with 568 yards rushing and 115 yards receiving in the first 4 games.

But where Varney seperates himself is his versatility which you typically don't see in his stat line. In addition to being a 3 year starter at HB Varney also is a 3 year starter at DB. He also is Belfry's starting K, P, PR, and KR. He also doubles as a "Wildcat Package" QB and last week threw a game winning 35 yard TD pass with under a minute to go.

In his career Varney has scored points the following ways:
1. Rushing TD
2. Receiving TD
3. Kickoff Return TD
4. Punt Return TD
5. Passing TD
6. Fumble Recovery TD
7. Kicking Field Goal
8. Kicking Extra Point
9. 2 Pt. Conversion

I want to say he returned an INT for a TD but am not positive.

All the while, he has done all this in his career against good competition:
2009
@ Pburg (Top 3 2A): 177 yds rushing/receiving
vs. Ashland (Top 10 5A): 234 yds rush/rec
@ Letcher Central (Top 10 5A): 154 yds rush/pass

2008
vs. Breathitt County (State Semi's) 179 yds rush/rec
vs. Russell (Top 10 3A) 175 yards rushing
vs. Pikeville (Top 10 1A) 140 yds rush/rec
vs. Sheldon Clark (Top 10 3A, two games) 172 yds rush/rec
vs. Lou. Holy Cross (Top 10 1A) 152 yds rushing

Just some stats to educate everyone on one of the best players you haven't heard much about. He may not win Mr. Football.... he may not go to a FBS school... but if you get the chance to watch this kid play he is worth the price of admission.

[BlackcatAlum]

He is without a doubt in my mind one of the best overall football players in EKY. I don't think he will get a nod for Mr. Football because those awards always goto a player from a big school or if that particular player is going to a major D-I school.

Hopefully Varney will get a shot at a full-scholorship offer.

[UKisN1]

Amen to both posts. I saw him against LCC and he was the man. I would recommend him to any coach in the NAIA, DIV. 1AA(FBS Subdivision). Not sure about D1, but haven't seen him enough. Good luck to him in the future. Thank God we at LCC do not have to face him anymore.

[99PIRATEFAN]

Thmas Varney is a great kid who never says
anything at all he just does what he loves to
to do that is play football.

[irishcard16]

Great thread to shed light on a somewhat under appreciated player. Varney is without a doubt one of the most versatile players I have EVER seen in eastern kentucky high school football. If he had the measurables ( height and weight) no doubt he could almost choose which division 1 school he wanted to attend.

[cougarpride08]

He won that game for Belfry no doubt about it.

[Strikeout King]

what schools are looking at him?

[BelfryPirates]

Well lets see, he can run, catch, kick, punt, return kicks, defend, and he can pass!

One of the best all around players I have seen in a long time!

[NEXT]

He is a great respectful young man off the field too.

[king360]

Not the most under-rated but def. under-rated

[NEWARKCATHOLICFAN]

I know I have sent info to college coaches for three years on him.

I know a few coaches have said they have sent something to the high school in his name.

[BHSPirateMom #1]

He is a great respectful young man off the field too.

Yes he is...

[NEWARKCATHOLICFAN]

I just send the updated stats post to some coaches and four have sent me word back they have read it.

I look for all four to be sending something to the high school for this young man.

[Panthers_15]

Obviously Varney can do it all, and would be a great pick up for any school on any level. If he keeps up the hard work im sure the offers will pile in. Best of luck to Varney on the rest of the season.

[OrangenowBlue]

I am an LCC fan and I agree, he is by far the most underrated player in the mountains.

[EKUAlum05]

I just send the updated stats post to some coaches and four have sent me word back they have read it.

I look for all four to be sending something to the high school for this young man.

I always appreciate the effort you give to try to help Mountain kids get attention from colleges! You have been doing this for years and it is a thankless task, most people have no clue how hard you work to bring attention to an area that gets very little notice from colleges.

[EKUAlum05]

Whitley County fans... give us your testimonial.

[NEWARKCATHOLICFAN]

I only get to see these guys play on tape when Wheeler send me the games which he usually sends at least one game a week.

I do what I do to pay the young guys back for the fun they give me.

I hope it actually helps at least one young guy get to play in college.

[EKUAlum05]

Unofficial sats from tonight:
13 carries 317 yards....412 overall yardage. 7 touchdowns, accounted for 47 points.

[wlincoln09]

Thomas is a very versatile player and will almost always find a way when you dont see one. If you've ever watched him play you know that his Kr's and Pr's are one of his most impressive aspects. he'll buy his time until he gets what he wants then you can just wave goodbye.

[devilhorns05]

Unofficial sats from tonight:
13 carries 317 yards....412 overall yardage. 7 touchdowns, accounted for 47 points.

wow thats almost 24.4 yards a pop:rockon:

[Belfry0304]

Send his proper stats to MaxPreps so we can see where he ranks nationally, and show people!

[NEWARKCATHOLICFAN]

Isn't this up to the coaching staff to do this/

I am glad so many coaches around the nation take the time to use that site.

[BoondockSaint]

ttt

[Redneck]

After what he did against Whitley County lastnight, I think it's safe to say YES...

[WildDawg]

If Belfry could manage to win a championship and Varney continues to perform like previous weeks, it would be a crime to not give him Mr Football.

[Hilbily]

he has directly changed the outcomes of his past two outings. i think teams will be looking for his number from now on.

[zaga_fan]

He did great against Whitley on friday nite
If Belfry can go deep I'm sure he will get noticed by many schools

[phs1986]

he has directly changed the outcomes of his past two outings. i think teams will be looking for his number from now on.

What do you mean looking for his number now? They are already looking for it. Didn't you hear on Sports Overtime what Whitley's coach said.... "Varney was the kid they wanted to keep the ball away from"....

The line will step up and make the plays they need to ensure that Varney continues to do what he does best. Letcher tried it as did Whitley.... Belfry is much more than people expected this year and will continue to grow as this season pans out.

Congrats Thomas and the entire Belfry Pirates on an outstanding win. Thomas is showing exactly what he is made of and for those "non-believers" out there... Spend $5 bucks and come see for yourselves!!