Gaffney wideout Joe Craig is more focused than ever after a fire claimed his house last week. J oe Craig has never retreated from a challenge, whether he’s trying to free himself from a defensive back or outkicking a competitor to the finish line in the 100 or 200 yard dash.

Craig’s approach is best described as forward looking, aggressive and bold.

Even when it comes to a personal tragedy.

The home he shared with his father, Joe. Sr., was gutted by a fire on Oct. 5.

“I’m coping with it well,” Craig said.

Craig said he had no idea why he was called out of school. When he arrived home, he said the home was still standing but there was extensive water and smoke damage to the interior.

“When I went into the house, there was a lot of smoke damage,” he said. “You couldn’t grab anything. We couldn’t save anything.”

Craig said he’s been touched by the response of the community.

“People that I don’t even know tell me that they are sorry for what has happened to me,” he said. “It’s just crazy how many people know you.”

Among the items lost in the fire were Craig’s trophies and medals, including the gold medal he captured at this year’s state track meet for winning the 200-yard dash.

“I’m really not worried about it. I’ll get more trophies,” Craig said.

Craig isn’t being brash. He insists the fire has made him a more focused athlete and student, since all of his personal belongings were lost in the fire.

“I’m more focused now,” he said. “Football is all I have now. The coaches told me last week that it was my best week of practice I’ve had.”

His practice performance carried over to Friday night when he was named the player of the game for his four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

But his season stats aren’t quite what he would like, partly because he’s the center of attention for most opposing defenses.

Through seven games, he has 13 catches for 176 yards. He admits the lack of productivity was frustrating for him.

“I was mad a little bit that I wasn’t getting the ball,” he said. “But coach sat me down and showed me that when I get double teamed that allows somebody else to get open.”

Craig said the important number is in the win-loss column.

“We’re winning, so I will do whatever it takes for my team to win. It doesn’t matter how many catches I have as long as we’re winning.”

Craig made a verbal commitment to Clemson as a junior. The early commitment has taken pressure off him.

“If you don’t sign with Florida or Southern California, people think you’re no good. I kind of knew what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go to play,” he said. “You have to look at the depth chart and see where you will have an opportunity to play. Clemson is losing some wide receivers, so they’ll need help there.”

As a result of a better off-the-field relationship with quarterback DeEdward Burris, Craig said he expects his numbers to improve as the season winds down.

“We just now started to hang out together,” he said.