Former Nansemond-Suffolk Academy standout and current College of William & Mary sophomore Noah Giles is ready for what could be a big role this season.

Around this time last year, Giles was getting adjusted to college life as he prepared for his first college season. He was coming off of a state championship at NSA and a senior year in which he was voted the Offensive Player of the Year for the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association’s Division III. Momentum was riding high for Giles, and he was confident in his ability to be able to compete at the NCAA Division-I level.

However, Giles redshirted his freshman season. He was part of the travel team at William & Mary but didn’t get any official game time. Giles had a sizeable amount of competition in front of him at the running back position. A bulk of the production at running back for William & Mary has graduated and has left spectators wondering who will step in and take charge at the position. Giles hopes that it can be him.

“Just coming into this year, I feel more confident about my understanding of the offense,” the former NSA standout said. “With this being my second year, it has also helped me be more instinctual rather than thinking too much while I’m out there.”

Giles learned a lot from his older, fellow running backs. He soaked in all the information that he could. Because he was able to get better and learn from people around him, he is confident that if his number is called, he could produce.

“I think I’d be able to produce if I was called upon,” he said. “Mentally, my coaches have prepared me for the opportunity. I’ve been learning a lot all year because of my teammates and coaches.”

During the spring, Giles strung along some good practices and had a good spring game. He was the Tribe’s leading rusher that game with five carries for 31 yards. A lot of the running backs were hurt, which offered Giles an opportunity to earn a lot of reps.

He is an extremely competitive athlete who hates losing. Giles’ competitive drive could see him doing some good things for the Tribe, whose season starts Sept. 3 when they take on the University of Virginia.

“I feel really confident about the season,” Giles said. “I just want to make an impact any way that I can. I want to be the guy who can make plays, whether that be on special teams or on offense. I just want to make plays.”

One thing Giles made it a point to improve on was his pass protecting. At NSA, the Saints never threw the ball much, as they ran a Wing-T offense. He wants to show his coaches he can be counted on to pick up blitzes and pass block.

“It’s more about focusing on the little things when you’re competing for the starting spot,” Giles said. “At this level, everyone is talented, and the little things are what set people apart.”