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Short sets FSCC career interception record

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Fort Scott Community College sophomore defensive back Kevin Short knew going into last Saturday afternoon’s game against the No. 12-ranked Hutchinson Blue Dragons that he would have plenty of chances to get the interception that would put him alone on top of the FSCC record chart for most picks in a career.

With Blue Dragons quarterback Luke Barnes averaging 355 yards passing per game going into the match-up, Short figured Saturday’s game would be the time.

“I knew before the game that I only needed one pick to break the record; my coaches told me about the record and told me to go after it,” Short said when asked if he knew he was one interception shy of breaking the record.

Short, who is never one to do anything without some flare, got the record on a tremendous one-handed catch over a Blue Dragon wide receiver at the Fort Scott 1-yard line -- preventing a Hutchinson touchdown. That remarkable interception gave Short the record of eight career interceptions, which moved him ahead of former ‘Hound defensive back Coryell Judie.

Judie, who played for the Greyhounds during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, amassed 7 interceptions while at the Fort. Following graduation from FSCC, Judie went on to play for Texas A&M University.

Short, a 6-foot-2, 182-pound product of Florissant, Mo., said he was very happy about breaking the record.

“It felt really good breaking the record -- it is a great accomplishment and I know it wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have the help of my teammates,” he said.

After recording five interceptions in his freshman year, Short only needed three to break the career record. But teams were aware of his defensive reputation and would not throw passes his way, making him a shutdown corner for the ‘Hounds.

When asked about his coverage technique Short made it a simple answer.

“I always go after them before they get me,” he said with a smile.

Short, who is also a conference leader in kick-off returns with just under 30 yards per return and is in the top 10 in punt returns with just under 10 yards per punt return, is being heavily recruited to play at the NCAA Division I level.

“Right now LSU, Kansas, Houston, and Mississippi State are some of the schools that have shown interest in me,” Short said when asked what four-year programs are showing interest in his talents.

Short will look to add to his record total as he and his Greyhound teammates will finish their 2012 football campaign at home this Saturday against the Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes. Game time is set for 1 p.m.