Opponents knew they needed to slow Ellwood Christian’s Jalen Furlow if they had any hope of defeating the Eagles in 2014. To counter that, Furlow lined up at running back, wide receiver and quarterback, while also playing defense and special teams.

In other words, he did it all.

“I was trying to get film for the next level,” Furlow said. “I was trying to do everything and be an athlete. It started with Coach [Martinear] preparing me in practice.”

Furlow scored 35 total touchdowns — 20 passing, 11 rushing and four receiving — and is the Times-Journal’s player of the year. He threw for 2,290 yards, ran for 710 and also had 150 receiving yards.

His on-field performance helped the program reach new heights, including hosting its first playoff game, during his senior year.

“It means a lot. It was my first time going to the second round of the playoffs, and it happened my senior year,” Furlow said.

Colleges have expressed interest in the multisport athlete — Furlow also plays baseball and basketball — but he has not received an official offer yet. Samford and West Alabama are among the schools that have shown interest.

“It makes your job easier when you have an athlete that can pretty much do everything and play every position on the field,” Ellwood coach Eric Martinear said.

The rest of the Times-Journal’s all-county football team will be released at a later date.