1996

Ladell Betts

Senior RB

Blue Springs (Mo.) HS

Ladell Betts was a powerful runner out of Blue Springs, Ladell Betts led the Wildcats to a 10-1 record as a senior. He finished the year with 2,263 yards and 32 touchdowns while playing most of the season with a broken right hand.

He went on to the University of Iowa, playing four seasons. As a junior in 1999, he rushed for every one of Iowa’s 1,090 yards that season. As a senior, he led Iowa in rushing again and was named second-team all-Big Ten. He finished his career at Iowa playing in 43 games and rushing for 3,686 yards (2nd all-time at Iowa) and 25 touchdowns. He is the only Hawkeye to ever lead the team in rushing in four different seasons.

Betts was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2002 National Football League Draft, no. 56 overall. He has played his entire career with the Redskins. Entering the 2009 season, Betts has rushed for 2,966 yards and 11 TDs, all for the Redskins.

Ladell Betts	The Simone family presents a check for $1,000 to the Blue Spirngs High School Athletics Department in the name of Ladell Betts.
Ladell Betts and former Chiefs great Tim Grunhard	Ladell Betts and former Chiefs great Walter White
1996 Buchanan Award winner Mike Hayes of Oak Park, Anthony Simone, Tim Grunhard and 1996 Buchanan Award winner Jeff Debiak of Olathe North