It's the little things for Serra running back Malik Roberson ... what he missed the most while sitting out last year.
"Warming up," Roberson exclaimed. "I think that's what I missed the most. Warming up and leading my team, that's what I missed the most and having that charge, that affect on the team."
Roberson missed all of the 2013 season after tearing the ACL, MCL, and PCL in his right knee the previous spring at a track meet.
In his absence, a loaded Serra team went on to reach the CIF Southern Section finals where the Cavaliers were upset by Chaminade.
The success of 2013 was all without their stabilizing force to carry the ball.
Roberson burst onto the scene in 2012 and was pivotal in Serra's Western Division championship win with two second half touchdowns against Chaminade.
The Cavaliers running back of the future had arrived. With over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore, Roberson was primed to do even more in 2013 before suffering a season-ending injury.
The road to recovery is nearly complete. Last week, Roberson was medically cleared for all football activities. No restrictions.
"Everything is on me now," Roberson said of his recovery.
It's a task that is easier said than done. The mental hurdles Roberson now faces are slowing him down.
"I have no confidence in (my knee yet)," Roberson said. "I don't know what I can do with it yet because I don't trust it enough.
"It's in the heat of the moment (that I think) 'Should I do it? Should I not?' I've been trying but sometimes my body is like 'no don't takeoff' and I need to get that mindset off of stop babying it. It's fine."
The running back was in action for the Cavaliers last Saturday at the Battle of the Beach passing tournament at Edison High School.
New story: @HartIndiansFB wins Battle at the Beach http://t.co/LBQH3XC2nB #hsfootball
— Rahshaun Haylock (@RHaylock) July 13, 2014
Passing tournaments aren't ideal for running backs with the exception of a draw that could come their way, every now and then.
But for Roberson it was a huge step in his progression. Every single rep mattered although he knew the ball likely wasn't coming his way.
"Running backs don't really get the ball (in passing tournaments) but I'm trying to work on myself," Roberson said.
The senior knows he can't get 2013 back. Instead, he chooses to focus on what he can do with 2014.
The Cavs open the season Aug. 29 against Lakewood before taking on national power (Washington) Bellevue in Oceanside in Serra's first year in a new league, joining the ranks of the PAC-5.
"I can not wait for this season," Roberson said. "I missed so much but I'm not trying to make up for my season. I'm just trying to have the senior season I dreamed (of)."
