Blacksburg cornerback Chase Hames has been a bright spot this season with an interception and three pass breakups this season. Chase Hames offered one piece of advice to his teammates before practice started for Friday's game against Chesnee.

Play faster.

"I'm always going full speed so I can get better for the next team," Hames said. "I asked all the receivers if they could go faster this week. It will help me get used to the speed so I can step up and make more plays."

The sophomore cornerback has been one of the bright spots for Blacksburg early in the season. He has held his own against the top receivers like South Stanly's Terry Shankle, considered one of the country's best defensive backs and two way threats.

"Chase is a complete player. He is the best cover cornerback we have right now. He has held his own against some really good receivers on other teams," Blacksburg head coach Mickey Moss said. "Chase comes to practice every day and works hard. He is always looking for ways he can get better. If we had 40 Chase Hames on our team, we would be pretty good."

Hames has one interception and three pass breakups this season. His play in the secondary is one reason the Wildcats are only giving up 62 yards passing and have held teams to only one offensive touchdown in the second half of their three games.

Hames has four brothers and two sisters. His oldest brother, Chuck, was a talented wide receiver and linebacker for Blacksburg earlier this decade. Chuck's playing career ended when he hurt his neck while making a tackle in a game.

Chase and his older brother, Chris, did not let the injury impact their decision to play football. Both have emerged as important players on this year's team.

Chris Hames is Blacksburg's top wide receiver with seven catches for 122 yards this season. In his brother's opinion, Chris is the hardest Blacksburg receiver to cover in practice.

"Chris is always trying to outrun me in practice. It just helps me get better," Chase Hames said. "I love football. I like to throw the football around with my brothers and friends in my free time."

His favorite football team is North Carolina. Outside of sports, he enjoys drawing sketches in his spare time.

There was no word from Chase on whether his sketches include any plays for the brothers next backyard football throwing session.

One thing Blacksburg football fans will see is more playing time for number 5 on offense.

"We have moved Chase to tailback on offense," Moss said. "We are going to have him run the ball more so we can develop him for next year."

CHASE HAMES FACT BOX

WORTHY OF NOTE: Shut down South Stanly all-state wide receiver Terry Shankle earlier this season

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW: Hames likes to sketch.