SPRINGDALE -- Travis England had a close view of the entire Elkins' football season last fall.
From the first game of the year, to the Elks' long playoff trip to Hoxie, he was right there with the team.
Profile
Travis England
School: Elkins
Class: Senior
Position: Quarterback/Safety
Height: 6-2
Weight: 170
Notable: Did not play football in junior year to focus on basketball. … Averaged 11.4 points and 2.1 assists for Elks’ state tournament basketball team. … Competing for starting quarterback job.
But the view for England wasn't one he grew to enjoy.
After sitting out of football to concentrate on basketball in his year after transferring to Elkins from West Fork, England quickly decided the desire to return to the field was back. So for the rising senior, one year of watching from the stands was enough.
"I was going to every single game last year, and I missed it," he said. "It was tough just watching."
England played a big part in Elkins' success on the basketball court, averaging 11.4 points and 2.1 assists for a team that advanced to the Class 3A state tournament. But he wanted in on the football fun as well. And now, the Elks think England could play a big part in this fall's plans.
At 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, England will compete at quarterback alongside sophomore Eric Stills and junior Evan Clark. On Monday, the three signal callers each got their turns as the Elks competed in the Northwest Arkansas Passing League at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium.
"When Travis came over from West Fork he said he wanted to take the year off from football, and that was fine," Elkins coach Thurman Shaw said. "But he was at all of our games and he missed it.
"He's a big kid with a strong arm, and he's a real smart kid with a 3.9 GPA."
England said despite a season away from football, he expects to contribute right away.
"With anything, you have to have high expectations," he said. "I feel like I can help this team."
Clark said he and Stills are more of the dropback quarterback style, while England offers more of a running threat used by the Elks last season when Tristan Ice served as the quarterback.
Either way, both styles could benefit Elkins this fall.
"I know coach (Shaw) is wanting to run some different offenses," Clark said. "Something where we might try to run with Travis and use us in the passing game."
England also plays safety on defense and can expect to be pushed for playing time wherever he lines up. But after a year away from the sport, fighting to get back on the field is fine with him.
"I like competition," England said. "I'm a competitive person and I'll do my best."
Sports on 07/09/2014