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Trestin George has more experience than the average first-year starter. The St. Mary’s tailback slid into the starting role just before last year’s playoffs when senior Eddie Smith went down with an injury. George started the Panthers’ final six games, gaining more than 200 yards in three of those games. 

A junior, George is the unquestioned starter at tailback this year, and he has responded with solid performances, including a 154-yard, four touchdown effort against Oakland High. 

The Berkeley native has also taken on a leadership role for this year’s Panther team. 

“I’m really working hard this year, and I’m becoming more of a coach/athlete,” he said. “I try to encourage the guys in practice.” 

George, 17, said that while his experience from last year is valuable, his game has changed since then. He has been working with a personal trainer in Fremont and has increased his size and speed. 

“I’ve gotten bigger and faster, and I’ve had to adjust what I do,” he said. “I have yet to reach my peak, and I’m working hard to get there.” 

St. Mary’s head coach Dan Shaughnessy said George has plenty of potential. 

“He can do everything we ask of him when he gets his head in the game,” Shaughnessy said. “He’s just got to play smart.” 

George has set a goal of gaining 2,000 yards this season, along with playing solid defense when called upon to play both ways. He was mainly a cornerback until Smith’s injury, and he has seen more time there this year. 

“I’ve been playing defense a lot more this year, so I’ve had to improve my conditioning so I won’t get tired,” he said. 

George said he is looking forward to playing football in college. 

“That’s why I’m here, to get to the next level,” he said. “After being on varsity since I was a freshman, it would be a real disappointment if I didn’t end up there.”