Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (WACH) -- One of the biggest surprises of this high school football season has been the emergence of Irmo running back Dawan Scott.

The senior has 1287-yards and 20 touchdowns in just six games and has proven to be one of the top players in the state of South Carolina.

But - it’s not always been this way, because Scott’s story is four years in the making. 

When you watch Irmo High School's Dawan Scott play, it's hard to think he's ever been unknown.

In just six games the senior has had 20 touchdowns and 1287 yards.

"I love the contact, scoring touchdowns and stuff, hearing the crowd getting crazy loud,” said Scott.

Before he could experience his success, Scott had to wait.

For the first three years of his high school career he spent most of it on the bench, in the shadow of current NC State Freshman sensation Mustafa Greene.

"I didn't really get in until he got hurt or something like that. That's when I really got noticed. Or when we were up by twenty or forty points then I’d get in," said Scott.

But like anything good, Scott said this year was worth the wait.

"We've watched him grow and develop," said Irmo Head Football Coach Bob Hanna.

Hannah said Scott’s ability to run is one thing, but his ability to hang on to the ball is another, adding that Scott hasn’t had a single fumble all year.

"In two games he's rushed for three hundred yards against good people. So people are starting to take notice," said Hanna.

Coach Hannah said college coaches are often calling and asking for film of Scott and Scott said the letters are starting to pour in to his mailbox.

"It was worth it, it’s great. It's just feels good to have all the people supporting me in all Ido," said Scott.

And If that wasn't impressive enough, Scott also has a GPA of 3.1.

Now at the top of scouting reports, and on the mind of college coaches – Scott is making sure 2010 is the year his name is never forgotten.