Terence Dunlap of Maplesville runs for yards during the Alabama-Mississippi All-star Game on Dec. 10. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Special)

Explosive, playmaker, dynamic and elusive are just some of the words used to describe Maplesville senior running back Terence Dunlap during his high school career.

Dunlap was chosen as The Clanton Advertiser’s 2016 Offensive Player of the Year in football for the second straight season.

The honor comes as no surprise for anybody who has witnessed Dunlap over the years en route to helping lead the Red Devils to three consecutive Class 1A state titles.

He was recognized as the title game MVP in each of those contests.

“It means a lot to know that all the hard work I’ve put in throughout my life has paid off,” Dunlap said. “I couldn’t have done it without my team pushing me. After a bad run or a good run, we always came back the next play.”

Dunlap ran for over 2,000 yards and led the county in yards per carry. Thanks to several big-play runs throughout the season.

“I like watching him do the things that he does with a football, just like everyone else,” Maplesville head coach Brent Hubbert said. “There is so much that he can do that’s not coachable, but just raw ability.”

Unlike some running backs that require carries to get in a groove, Dunlap has the ability to break a 60-yard run on his first carry or his 20th carry.

“Sometimes it doesn’t take many carries to get going,” Dunlap said. “It all depends on the defense we’re playing against.”

According to Dunlap, even when he was growing up he never dreamed of winning three straight state titles

“It’s just been a blessing,” Dunlap said.

Although running the ball is the primary objective, Dunlap also had to help in pass protection and catch passes as a running back in the Maplesville offense.

“You have to have great vision if you want to be successful,” Dunlap said.

When Dunlap reads his blockers and sees a hole open up, he immediately thinks “touchdown.” On many occasions he was right.

“It’s been awesome to see a kid with that much talent practice with game-level intensity,” Hubbert said. “He is a leader by action, and his actions spoke volumes.”

Dunlap has plans to go to college to get a business degree and pursue the dream of making to the NFL one day.

“I’ve been blessed to coach some great players since I’ve been at Maplesville,” Hubbert said. “Every coach should get the chance to coach a kid like Terence.”