2014 ETSN.fm East Texas Football Super Team Offensive Player Of The Year: Blake Lynch, Gilmer

Twelve months ago, it was hard to imagine what was to come for Blake Lynch. About the only thing certain about his future was his college destination at Baylor. But he still had more games in high school to play.

Sixteen of them to be exact.

Gilmer wasn't where Lynch's story began, but it was the place he celebrated a state championship, entering into Texas high school football immortality.

The Buckeyes' "do-everything" star is the 2014 ETSN.fm East Texas Football Super Team Offensive Player of the Year after putting together one of the region's best all-around campaigns in recent memory. He follows last year's co-recipients -- Whitehouse quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Carthage quarterback Blake Bogenschutz.

Lynch, a former dual-threat quarterback, arrived in Gilmer from Troup, where his junior season was limited because of a broken hand suffered midway through the year.

Once in Buckeye land, Gilmer turned him loose, using his skills in a variety of ways.

"He could do so many different skills it allowed us to be very multiple with him," said Gilmer coach Jeff Traylor.

Lynch, who lined up at quarterback and receiver on offense and safety on the defensive side of the ball, was extremely productive no matter where he was on the field.

He finished with 47 catches for 1,043 yards and 16 touchdowns and 72 carries for 888 yards and 19 touchdowns. Lynch averaged a staggering 16.2 yards per touch, reached the end zone one out of every 3.4 touches, and even threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns on 13 of 17 completions.

You name it, and Lynch could do it.

Lynch also played a big role on defense, finishing with 42 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, four recoveries, and four passes broken up.

And in case you're wondering how the star recruit gelled with his new Gilmer teammates on a roster already full of playmakers ...

"The kids loved him immediately, and he has no ego or selfishness at all," Traylor said. "Anyone could have coached him. Blake is quite possibly the most unassuming great player we have ever coached. All the kids love him. No problems ever"

Lynch graduated from Gilmer early and is already enrolled at Baylor, but his last official day as a high school student is something he's sure to remember for a while.

It just so happened to be the date of the Class 4A Division II state championship game against West Orange-Stark. Not only did Gilmer prevail, 35-25, but Lynch took home Offensive MVP honors after totaling 117 yards with two fourth-quarter touchdowns that helped the Buckeyes erase an 18-point halftime deficit and capture their third state title.

I'd say Gilmer got pretty good mileage out of Lynch's few short months in the program.