Linden senior running back Kendarius Fritts was named the 1A Back of the Year Sunday for the second consecutive year.

The award comes on the heels of a 2010 campaign that saw Fritts’ statistical contributions to the team drop, while his leadership responsibilities increased.

In 2009, Fritts was a yardage and touchdown machine for the Patriots. Fritts rumbled for 2,358 yards and 33 touchdowns that year, leading the Patriots to an undefeated regular season and earning himself Super 12 honors along with recognition as 1A’s Back of the Year.

In 2010, Fritts was asked to play defense along with his role in the Linden backfield and the Patriot offensive attack balanced itself out with an increased passing game.

Fritts carried the ball 157 times for 1,808 yards and 31 touchdowns on the season.

“Last year I didn’t play anything but one side of the ball,” Fritts said. “This year I played all out, both sides of the ball and a little special teams. I felt like I was a big key to the defense.”

Linden head football coach Andro Williams praised Fritts’ contributions to the team, adding that Fritts’ defensive leadership was a key piece to developing the Patriots’ staunch defensive presence.

“He was more of a vocal leader defensively than he was offensively,” Williams said.

Fritts said his willingness to tackle that challenge head-on came in the form of a glaring need and a declaration from his coach.

“Coach (Williams) was always talking about how he needed a leader and somebody had to step up,” Fritts said. “I figured I’d be the one to step up.”

Fritts will graduate from LHS in May among its top rushers and currently holds athletic scholarship offers from Vanderbilt, the University of South Alabama and Alabama A&M.