BRADENTON, Fla. — There are many ways an athlete can inspire.

Lakewood Ranch High School senior CJ McRae leads his team by example. 

“CJ is a special young man. He attacks each day with fortitude. He attacks each day with grace,” head coach Scott Paravicini said. “He lights up the room when he comes in the room. His teammates respond to him, and he leads in a really positive way.”

The running back has been a crucial part of the Mustangs' offense, averaging five yards per carry in 2023. But this year, he’s setting the bar higher. 

“I want to rush for 100 yards a game, so toward the end of the season I can have 1,000 yards. And the team goal is to go undefeated,” McRae said.

Fans notice his speed and agility on the field.

“I feel my strengths are speed. I’m not the biggest guy out here, but I feel like I play like I’m the biggest," McRae said. "I have speed, and I’m shifty. There’s always ways to push through.”

He also brings power.

“When CJ gets the ball, he’s patient. He waits, and then he explodes,” Paravicini said. “I think that change of pace where he’s patient, following his blockers, and then when he sees that crease, he explodes, (that) separates him from a lot of other guys who just have pure speed.”

As McRae sets out on a new season, he hasn’t lost sight of his love for the game. 

“The feeling is just unmatched, going out here, talking a big talk throughout school and then performing, people from your school, your family just watching you. Out here, I just feel free,” McRae said.

Paravicini said his positive attitude is infectious.

“You can just see him having fun. He enjoys himself," Paravicini said. "He’s like that at school. He’s like that in the classroom. He’s like that in the weight room. He’s like that on the field. He’s just a fun kid to be around.”

And that joy uplifts all around him.