Ethan Triplett is a 6’1″, 180 pound, class of 2024 running back and safety for the Belt Valley High School Huskies in Belt, Montana. Although listed as just a running back on the roster, Ethan is a dynamic playmaker, someone you want to find any way to get the ball in his hands. When he touches the ball, he’s almost guaranteed to pick up a large chunk of yards, and if he can make a couple men miss or find an open lane, he’s gone and nobody can catch him, as he runs a 4.50 40-yard dash. Ethan averaged 9.5 yards per carry in 2022, accumulating 419 rushing yards on just 44 carries, and adding 36 receptions for 603 yards through the air. Ethan’s coaches run the triple option with him sometimes, he runs screens and regular routes, and takes carries as well. This led to Ethan being named both an all-conference and all-state running back and cornerback (for his stout play on the other side of the ball) and Belt Valley remaining undefeated and winning a state championship.
Ethan currently holds offers from Carroll College, Montana Tech, Montana Western, Rocky Mountain College, and the South Dakota School of Mines. He also was granted the opportunity to become a preferred walk-on at the University of Montana. Off the field, Ethan has maintained a 3.5 GPA.
I recently had the chance to interview Ethan:
Why and at what age did you start playing football?
” I was raised in a football driven family so I always had a football at a young age. I believe my first ever organized football league was in 1st grade, playing flag football.”
Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?
” I always grew up playing some sort of skill position, whether it being running back or receiver, or on the other side as a defensive back.”
What sets you apart from everyone else on the field?
” What sets me apart from everyone else is my composure and toughness. I’m relaxed and comfortable in bad situations and will turn the favors in the situation. I’ve dealt with injuries through games and never let pain get in the way of playing.”
What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?
“My favorite accomplishment in my football career is winning State my junior year.”
What is your favorite memory of playing football so far?
” My favorite memories are being able to spend time with the guys I consider brothers, and being able to compete in a sport we love. Road trips were always the best, being able to practice in college stadiums, getting down to business ,and then later being able to relax with the boys.”
How do you balance athletics and academics?
“Academics obviously come first, but I’ve always worked hard in the classroom so I can compete on the football field.”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?
“The biggest challenge would be having to start my freshman year after one of our guys got injured. Being fresh to highschool ball, I was lacking confidence, experience, and football IQ, but it later contributed to my success later down the road which in grateful for.”
Is there a certain player you try to model your game after?
” I’ve always liked Julian Edelman and Travis Etienne. Edelman was never the biggest, fastest, but with all the odds he would outwork you and always shine. Etienne was a RB at Clemson and is a straight up stud!”
How do you stay physically fit outside of football?
“I stay physically fit outside of football with other sports like basketball, track, and then always working out in some way.”
What are you hoping to achieve this season?
“I’m hoping to win another state title with my brothers and my community.”
What is your end goal for your football career?
“My end goal for my football career is to be the best to ever play in Belt history and then to win a national title.”
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?
“I’ve learned work ethic in football that will translate into my future very well and to always believe in myself and my team.”
How do you prepare for big games?
“Practices have to be sharp, imagining scenarios in the game, body has to be healthy, and being on top of film.”
What type of play style do you have?
” I’ve always liked hard nosed football while keeping a balance of finesse. Hit them to install fear and evading them for humiliation.”
Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?
“My biggest role model in my life is my father. He has always been a mentor and a friend to me and has always had my back. He has always taught me to keep God number 1 in my life and that the sky is the limits. I always had him as a coach from flag football and then to middle school and highschool ball. He has taught me so much in football as he’s in the CMR hall of fame for football, and then later played for Carroll College. I’m so grateful to be his son and of all the things he’s ever done for me!”
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