Xavier Myers, a Mr. Football finalist, transfers to Oakland

Those around the Oakland football program knew replacing standout running back Jeron Rooks would be a chore entering the 2018 season.

That chore got a little easier over the past week.

Former Nashville Christian School running back Xavier Myers has enrolled at Oakland, making the transfer an instant name to watch on the Patriots' roster this season.

He is the second star running back in as many seasons to leave the school and move to Murfreesboro.

There's plenty of reason for excitement. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound senior rushed for 2,634 yards (10.0 average per carry) and 35 touchdowns in being named a Mr. Football finalist in 2017. He helped lead Nashville Christian to the DII-A state semifinals.

"We're glad to have him," Oakland coach Kevin Creasy said. "He produced a lot of yards in the past. Hopefully he can do it at this (Class 6A) level."

If competing at the 6A level is a question, the precedent was set last season when another former NCS standout, Lelan Wilhoite, transferred to Siegel.

Wilhoite ended up rushing for almost 2,000 yards for the Stars and was named a finalist for the all-area player of the year award.

"I feel like I can come in and do the same thing," said Myers, who also caught six passes for 53 yards and a touchdown last season. "I'm really excited to be part of the (Oakland) team."

When asked about the move, Xavier's father, Cedrick Myers, said it was "just the opportunity to save money, not having to pay for private school. Heard great things about Rutherford County Schools."

Playing alongside Wilhoite in 2016, Xavier Myers rushed for 1,173 yards and 17 touchdowns.

"He's a good running back," Creasy said. "Players like him, you want to get him on the field where you can."

Rooks was a threat on the ground and in the passing game last season. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns while also leading Region 3-6A in receiving yards (668) and scoring an additional 10 touchdowns through the air.

The Patriots went 13-1 last season, falling to Maryville in the 6A semifinals. Oakland reached the BlueCross Bowl the year before that.

"We've got several running backs, but competition is always a good thing," Creasy said. "It will help everyone get better. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.