Gaines stays humble on brink of remarkable career

Dennis Gaines, Jr. of EPC etched his name in the record book during the last game of the season last year as he broke the single season rushing record for the state of Arkansas with 3,232 yards. The record had stood since 2015 when Rivercrest's Cecil Langston set the new mark at 3,205. Gaines is only one of five running backs to top 3,000 yards in a season as he joins Kenneth Dixon (Strong, 3153, 2011), Derek Lawson (Nettleton, 3,093, 2006) and Logan Best (McCrory, 3,001, 2011).

Gaines said he didn't know he was that close. “Coach asked me if I wanted to try to break the record and I told him yes so he gave me some extra carries there in the fourth quarter to break the record,” Gaines said. Speaking with Gaines after that game, he was of few words. “The record is nice, but a win would have been better,” Gaines said.

Having added about 15 pounds to his frame, Gaines said he doesn't have any statistical stats in mind for the upcoming season. “I'm not the biggest or the fastest, but I make my cuts at the right time. Whatever God gives me for the season is what I'll end up with,” Gaines said.

Gaines doesn't like to come out of the game, even though he knows he needs a breather from time to time. “I get tired but I work hard to keep myself in game shape. I don't like being on the sidelines. I feel like I can do something when I'm out on the field,” Gaines added.

Having made a verbal commitment to the University of Central Arkansas, Gaines said running-backs Coach Nelson Gunnel has been influential in the process. “Coach talks to me like I'm at home when we speak,” Gaines said.

Two more state records are within reach for Gaines this coming season. He comes in with 5,106 yards in his career that puts him 2,987 yards from breaking the record held by Michael Dyer (LR Christian, 8,097, 2006-2009). The career rushing touchdowns record is also reachable as Gaines has 64 touchdowns entering the season and needs 37 to break the record held by Conner Baker (Pocahontas, 100, 2020-2022). Gaines says he is aware of the records. “My dad and Coach Powell have talked to me about some,” Gaines said.

With a goal of being a star player in college always with Gaines, he keeps it simple, “I'm just a kid with big dreams from a small town.”