Full speed ahead: TL Hanna DE Zacch Pickens, a Gamecock commit, is playing running back

Zacch Pickens is known for his defense. It is his play, and future potential, along the defensive line why many major colleges recruited him.

But he has always wanted to score touchdowns, a rarity for defensive linemen outside of a fumble return or an even rarer interception.

So far this year he has been making that dream a reality with four touchdowns, but not on defense. While he dabbled in it last year, Pickens has been playing more fullback this year.

"I've been wanting to run the ball since coach (Jeff) Herron got here," Pickens said. "I put myself out there for him and the coaches and just stepped up to the plate.

"I saw my brother (Kevin Pickens) do it and I figured why not."

Kevin Pickens is currently on the South Carolina Gamecocks roster as a defensive back.

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At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds it is no surprise Zacch Pickens has been primarily used when Hanna gets in the red zone, piling up 70 yards and four touchdowns on 10 carries.

While he does not lead the team in yards, Pickens' four touchdowns does lead the team. But his first touchdown came in a scrimmage this year.

"That one in the scrimmage was for 68 yards. I'm not even going to lie, I was supposed to come out that play, but I did what I had to do," he said. "I was out of breathe, but I had to go right back onto kickoff."

Since committing to South Carolina in May, Pickens said the constant phone calls from coaches has slowed down, allowing him to focus on this year.

"I get some texts here and there. I still get a bunch of mail. South Carolina checks on me and we text a good bit," he said. "I get to enjoy my weekends now."

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While Pickens says he enjoys playing on offense, it is all about doing what is best for the team: Win another Region I-AAAAA title and make a deeper run in the playoffs. 

To do that, Hanna needs a win this week over rival Westside to get to 2-0 in the region and remain in control of its destiny.

"We feel good about where we are. We just take it one step at a time, one game at a time. Westside is who we play this week," he said. "We just have to play our hearts out."