DEMOPOLIS &045; Hard work and determination will always pay off. It’s the kind of work ethic that Ta’mar Scott has exemplified during his four years on the Alabama A&M University football team.

By the end of his sophomore season, Scott was listed number four on the depth chart at the running back position based on his performance in spring practice.

Scott took the opportunity and ran with it. He rushed for 557 yards, averaging 5.1 yards/rush. He also scored four rushing touchdowns. He returned five kicks and averaged 20 yards per return.

The Bulldogs made it to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship game with a 9-3 record, before falling to Grambling State.

Scott’s best season was his senior year. He led the team in all-purpose yards (982) and rushing yards (740) in the 2006 season. He also led the team in touchdowns with nine. He averaged 62 yards rushing/game.

Scott and Luke split time at the running back position, until the third game when Luke got hurt.

AAMU returned to the championship game, but this time captured its first title. They beat the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 22-13 after trailing 7-6 at half time.

Scott rushed for two

touchdowns in the contest, the only touchdowns of the game for the Bulldogs, on runs of 14 and five yards. The second touchdown put the icing on the cake for the Bulldogs.

The Demopolis native received offensive MVP honors for his performance in the game.

The Bulldogs finish the season 9-3 and with back-to-back school record nine-win seasons.

Scott, who is majoring in Physical Education, will receive his degree next spring.

If there were any naysayers doubting that Scott could make it at A&M four years ago, he has proved them wrong.