BUNN — Donnell Durham is an Extra Effort winner for many reasons. The senior quarterback is a big reason theBunn Wildcatsare in the second round of the state 1-A football playoffs.

Durham can run and throw, but it his leadership that really sets him apart.

"The biggest thing is in the huddle. I mean the key thing is respect, and they are quiet. And on Friday night when the lights come on, he's ready to play, and the kids know that," says Bunn coach David Howle.

"It's my huddle, and they know they have to be quiet, they have to hear the count, they have to hear the play," says Durham. "If they don't hear you they can make a mistake and lose the ball came."

"He doesn't put up with anyone in the huddle talking, and when he comes to the sideline, he can tell me 'Coach, we need to do this, we need to do that." It's something that we can't see ,and that's big. That helps us tremendously," says Howle.

"In order to get respect, you have to respect others," says Durham. "I have to be a leader in the huddle, on the field, off the field. I have to set an example for my teammates and other people."

Durham, who also stars in basketball and track, takes his leadership abilities into the classroom. He has a solid B average.

"He prioritizes, " says teacher Cindy Reavis. "Academics [come] first, and I feel it's athletics are second, even though he's excellent on the ball field. In every aspect, he's a very outstanding student, a very kind student. He is a pleasure to teach, but he's also a good person." Tom Suiter's Extra Effort award airs Wednesdays during WRAL's 6:00 News.

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