Brandeis High School senior running back Trinton Ynclan is the type of gritty athlete who generally lets his playing do the talking for him.
While he can be demonstrative on the field at times, Ynclan prefers to lead by example.
He does that and more at practice and in games, inspiring his teammates with his mental and physical toughness, work ethic, dedication and competitive ferocity.
"Without a doubt," Brandeis coach John Campbell said this week. "That's nothing we can take credit for. When you have guys who are naturally competitive and can channel that competitiveness into something positive, they have a certain charisma."
Although Ynclan prefers action to words, he's hardly a shrinking violet. He picks his spots, but he also can be vocal leader.
"When he needs to speak, he talks and people listen," Campbell said. "His credibility is extremely high among his teammates. They see the way he carries himself on and off the field, and they look up to him. He's the real deal."
Opponents would readily agree.
After missing the first two games of the season with an elbow injury, Ynclan has rushed for 891 yards and 13 touchdowns. A threat on inside or outside runs, Ynclan is averaging 9.09 yards a carry.
Brandeis, 6-1 overall and 5-0 in District 27-5A, plays Jay (4-4, 4-2) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gustafson Stadium.
Broncos have won six in a row after losing opener
"We've been playing pretty well and we're excited about playing Jay," Ynclan said. "Jay's a pretty good team." We're all like family out here. It's like a brotherhood.
Not coincidentally, the Broncos' only loss of the season, a 41-7 whipping at the hands of Smithson Valley, came in their first game without Ynclan. Brandeis has won six in a row since then and has the inside track to the district title.
"His first game back, against Warren, he went 75 yards for a touchdown," offensive coordinator Chris Mantooth said.
Ynclan's long run put the Broncos ahead to stay in a 26-13 victory. Brandeis' coaches, players and fans have grown accustomed to seeing such big plays from Ynclan, who rushed for 1,974 yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 games last year.
The Broncos finished 10-2 in 2011, losing to eventual 5A Division II state finalist Steele in the second round of the playoffs after tying for the 27-5A title.
At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Ynclan is a small running back by 5A standards. But he more than compensates with his quickness, instincts and big heart.
"His level of competitiveness is very high, of course," Campbell said. "The one quality that purely speaks to being an outstanding running back is his natural vision. He has great balance, exceptional vision. You pair that with his competitiveness and you've got yourself a pretty dadgum good running back.
"He's not the fastest back in the world, but he knows when to be patient and when to use his natural instincts. He lets his blocks develop. All running backs have the ability to do things in space, but the difference between an average back and a real good one is efficiency. Trinton is a very efficient running back."
Ynclan credits Campbell for Brandeis' success
Ynclan made the varsity as a sophomore in 2010 and spent most of the season backing up senior Quincy Adams, now a defensive back at Navy.
Ynclan was moved up to the varsity for the playoffs his freshman year in 2009, when the Broncos advanced to the 5A Division II state quarterfinals in only their second season. Brandeis' top rusher that year was Noah Copeland, now a fullback at Navy.
"Watching Noah and learning from him was a lot of fun," Ynclan said. "That helped prepare me for my junior year and my senior year. I love coming out here every day because we're like a family. It's a brotherhood. You have the grinding days and weeks, and it just makes it fun to come out here and compete with guys you're friends with."
Ynclan is as intense on the practice field as he is on game nights. He relishes the game within the game, and seeing the game plan come together before kickoff.
"Preparing for an opponent is just as important as the game itself," Ynclan said. "That's the main part of what we do."
Brandeis has built a strong tradition in a short span, compiling a 41-14 record since it opened in 2008. The Broncos are 37-8 since going 4-6 in their first season.
Ynclan credits Campbell, who has been Brandeis' head coach from day one, for the success.
"Coach Campbell has done a great job just creating the atmosphere around here that we're going to be competitive in everything that we do," Ynclan said. "He's a great coach. He lets us know that anytime you're out there, you've got to compete."
