Custer defined what an all-purpose athlete was this season, sacrificing additional carries on the offensive end in order to excel on both defense and special teams, all the while helping lead his Spartans to back-to-back CIF Open division championships.

Prior to the year, De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh cited a desire to reduce the number of carries for Custer, indicating a need to keep the senior healthy and fresh late in the season, as well as the need for this Spartans’ team to have his production in all facets of the game. As a result, Custer had fewer than 10 carries in nine games this season, and only had more than 20 carries once in a game, when he ran for 183 yards against Long Beach Poly.

Despite the reduced workload offensively, Custer still finished the season with 1,335 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, allowing him to finish his three-year varsity career with 4,429 yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, he added three interceptions in the secondary this season, and averaged over 46 yards per kickoff return.

Custer’s all-around production was evident in his touchdown totals as well. He scored 21 total times during the season, adding two kickoff returns for scores, taking two of his three interceptions back for touchdowns, scoring once on a punt return, and one more time as a receiver. He also forced teams to game-plan for him in every aspect of the game.

The Prep2Prep NCS Senior Player of the Year received two Division I college offers last spring, from Washington State and Wyoming, though he has yet to announce his plans for next year. Wherever that is, we are sure he will find a place on the field to become an impact player.