Like father, like son.

That is how many Richmond Raider football fans would describe the 80-yard touchdown run by Walter Ellerbe Jr. on the team’s first play from scrimmage last Friday night against Providence.

Ellerbe Jr. is the son of former star Raider running back Walter “Flip” Ellerbe Sr. Ellerbe Sr. started on three straight Raiders’ 4A state championship teams from 1988-90. Ellerbe Sr. set various individual rushing records during his career, including leaving as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,345 yards on 592 carries.

Assistant head coach Mike Kesler was on the Richmond staff when Ellerbe Sr. played for the Raiders. Kesler pointed out the different running styles between father and son.

“Flip was a lot more physical runner,” Kesler said. “He started as a fullback for us as a sophomore and his big play was the trap option. Just like little Walter, Flip had the ability to make that one move, but never lose his speed. But I think little Walter is faster than his dad.”

Following a Providence field goal, which gave the Panthers a 3-0 lead, Ellerbe Jr. quickly showed his home run hitting ability like his dad did in the past. Ellerbe took the option pitch from Raider quarterback Tedarrius Wiley, used some juke moves to get past some Panther defenders and sprinted away from the rest of Providence defense to give Richmond a 7-3 lead and an advantage the Raiders would never relinquish.

Ellerbe Jr. finished with 119 yards on seven carries and received some praise from his dad following the game.

“He told me that’s how you need to run,” Ellerbe Jr. said. “Also, to just continue to listen to your coaches, continue to work hard in practice and that will carry over to the games.”

Ellerbe Jr. added that his dad wants him to make better decisions than he made when he was in high school.

“He wants me to do something, he didn’t do, which was go to college and make something out of myself,” Ellerbe Jr. said. “He tells me to work hard in the classroom, and don’t get a big head. He tells me that I’ve got the talent, but just don’t let it go to waste.”

Ellerbe Jr. is not only taking in his father’s advice, but also likes to watch old footage of his dad’s illustrious playing days at Richmond to pick up a few pointers. Ellerbe Jr. said he was impressed by how hard his dad ran and what he accomplished at Richmond, but admitted he is motivated to outdo his “pops.”

“People always tell me how great my dad was, but I want to try to be better than him,” Ellerbe Jr. said. “I understand that I still have a long ways to go before that happens.”

According to Kesler, Ellerbe Sr. was a well-rounded back because he was a great pass blocker. Kesler believes that Ellerbe Sr. got more pleasure blocking a defender than running the ball. Raiders running back/strength coach Nick Eddins admitted that the pass blocking is something Ellerbe Jr. is trying to improve on.

“He’s still trying to figure it out, but slowly and surely, he’s coming along,” Eddins said. “He’s starting to get a better understanding of the schemes in front of him. There were a couple times on some play action stuff against Providence, where he tried to help somebody when he had a job to do himself. He’s just got to learn that the offense is just like a machine. Every part is a working part and everyone has to do their own part to make it work like it’s supposed to.”

Eddins added that one of the things that Ellerbe Jr. has improved on is going straight ahead with the ball instead of running side-to-side.

“What he’s doing a better job at from last year is all that (New Orleans Saints running back) Reggie Bush-stuff where you cut one way and back again another way isn’t going to work against these faster guys on varsity. If there is a seam in there, get to the seam, but we don’t teach a lot of cutbacks. Walter figured out that you’ve got to make that one move, get up the field and explode from there.”

Ellerbe Jr. said he’s doesn’t feel the pressure of following his dad’s footsteps, while the coaching staff knows the sky is the limit for junior.

“His dad was the best back that combined balance, strength and quickness,” Kesler said. “But Walter has some great skills and hopefully he will make a name for himself when he leaves here.”

n Contact sports reporter Corey Davis at 997-3111, ext. 44; e-mail cdavis@yourdailyjournal.com