A rush out of rushing — Freeport's Gavin Scott is ‘the definition of dependability.”

He’s as tough as nails, and loves to nail the opponent.

Gavin Scott, 18, is “the epitome of toughness,” said Freeport Coach Jim Anderson.

Scott, who plays defensive end and offensive guard, is a 5-foot-11, 189-pound senior.

“I’ve been a Freeport Bulldog my whole life,” Scott said. He hit the football field in the third grade as a middle linebacker.

“Other than that, I’ve been a lineman ... I got big ... I’ve got meat on my bones.”

While others aspired to be the quarterback or running back, Scott is content with his position on the line.

“It picked me,” he said. “But I don’t regret it at all. I don’t get the glory or the credit, but knowing I helped put Nathan (Hendrickson) or (Cody) Binder get in the end zone, that’s enough for me.”

Hendrickson scored three touchdowns and rushed for 230 yards against Holmes County last Friday, while Binder ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

Although he likes clearing the way for Bulldog backs, he says he loves defense.

“I’m a defensive  man,” Scott said.

“I just like tackling people. The rush you get ... you can’t beat it. It’s nice.”

Freeport defensive Coach Charlie Marello said Scott is averaging about seven tackles a game and leads the team in quarterback sacks with at least 10 to his credit.

“He’s very tough,” Marello said. “He gets dinged up every game but he plays right through the pain.

“He’s one of our better tacklers and does exactly what we ask,” Marello said.

Not only did Anderson describe him as tough, but also as dependable.

“He’s like the mailman,” Anderson said. “Whether rain, sleet or snow, you know he is going to come through. He’s the definition of dependability.”

Scott loves the game of football.

“I’d like to play college ball anywhere,” he said. “But with the size I am, it’s not very realistic. But if it happened, I’d be overjoyed.”

For now, the Bulldogs have already laid claim to the District 1-A title and are in the playoffs.

How did Freeport get to this point?

“We keep respect for every person we play,” Scott said. “And just try to get better every game. All the 7 o’clock practices are paying off.”

In addition to all his hard-work qualities, Coach Marello says, “he’s got the best hair on the team,” pointing out his blonde mohawk.

Like a lot of athletes, Scott has a ritual that he goes through every week before Friday’s game.

He and his buddy Daniel Davis both spend Thursday night over at Binder’s house before the game.

“We haven’t missed a one,” Scott said.

The guys usually go out and get something to eat or just stay at home, watch a movie or play video games.

“We just chill,” he said.