Da’Kari Releford Jr.’s father gave the younger Releford the nickname “The Flash” when he was a kid. 

“He was always running around and has been super fast his whole life,” the senior Releford said. 

Releford, who now goes by “D.K.” has embodied “The Flash” nickname as a starting running back for Fountain-Fort Carson, a coveted position in a program with a lineage of elite running backs like Q Jones and Mathias Price. 

With red Flash gloves, Flash earrings, and a Flash necklace under his uniform, Releford backs up the nickname. 

In last week’s 56-9 win over Douglas County, which beat the Trojans (5-1) the last two years, Releford, a junior, ran for a career-high 273 yards and four touchdowns. He was named The Gazette Preps Peak Performer of the Week for his exploits.

He has run for at least 106 yards and one touchdown in every game this season. 

Last year, in his first year on varsity, he had 99 carries for 576 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games; this year, he’s at 96 carries for 956 yards and 14 touchdowns in six games. 

“He is a special player,” coach Jake Novotny said. “We always have special backs here and he carries the torch with hard work, pride, and dedication.”

Before last week’s game, retired Fountain-Fort Carson coach Mitch Johnson gave a speech to the team, which ignited a spark in several players, including Releford. 

“He talked about committing to the team, and playing in unity, and it just really resonated with me,” Releford said. “I didn’t want to let my team down. I just tried to be that momentum that pushed my team forward.”

Part of Releford’s success on the gridiron this season comes from his track training since joining Fountain-Fort Carson’s team his freshman year. Last season, Releford qualified for state in the 100 meters and boasts a best of 10.71 seconds. 

Track has helped the running back’s speed, acceleration and form. 

“When he plays on the field, he is physical and fast, and the team rallies around him,” Novotny said. “He’s the whole package. A great leader, great character guy, awesome in the classroom. Before we get to the field, he is all of those things.”

Releford hopes to take his career to the pros one day, and to make it there, he sets big expectations for himself, including five touchdowns in a game and reaching 200 yards or more every game. 

With plenty of season left, Releford is excited to see what his team does and hopes to make the playoffs. Most of all, he’s excited to push his limits and grow his love of the game. 

“He goes out and wants to do his best,” Releford senior said. “His favorite thing in the world is to run, so if he can run and make a touchdown, he is the happiest guy in the world.”