Versatility - the ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.

Some of the most electric football players of all time were also among the most versatile in the history of the sport - Deion Sanders, Charles Woodson and Devin Hester, just to name a few.

The Tamaqua Blue Raiders possess a versatile player of their own, except this “jack-of-all-trades” athlete isn’t the usual kind-of do-it-all competitor you see in the game of football.

The Raiders’ Nate Wickersham plays quarterback, wide receiver and leads the team in tackles from his linebacker position, but what sets him apart from all that is his ability to line up in the backfield and produce in the power run game.

A versatile player that possesses both speed and grinding running power is a rarity in today’s game.

The 6-1, 200-pound Wickersham showcased his capabilities in the Tamaqua run attack last week, rushing for 165 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Raiders collect a total of 418 yards and a 38-26 victory over Pine Grove.

Wickersham’s tough-running performance has earned him the Times News Player of the Week.

“When you look at what he’s done on offense for us this season, it’s a testament to his hard work and his versatility. It’s amazing to say, but he didn’t even play offense for us last season, and now he’s our best offensive weapon,” said Tamaqua head coach Sam Bonner. “He’s such an unselfish kid. He plays quarterback, wide receiver, fullback and he’d play guard if we asked him to. I’m so happy and proud that he’s having such a good year.”

Wickersham came into the season as the Raiders starting quarterback, but quickly his versatility was recognized and Coach Bonner utilized it. On the season, Wickersham has thrown for 261 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for 596 yards and eight touchdowns and has caught two passes for 53 yards and a score.

Bonner believes his versatility makes him one of the all-around best players in the Schuylkill League, but what most impresses the Raiders’ head coach is Wickersham’s ability to absorb contact and extend plays.

“I don’t think there was a time this season where I’ve seen him go down after the initial hit. He’s averaging over seven yards per carry, and a lot of that has come after contact,” said Bonner. “He never goes down easy, and he’s extended plays where he’s stepped through or ran over a few guys. He’s a really tough kid.”

Wickersham’s talents have transferred to the defensive side of the ball this season as well, as he leads the team in tackles with 78, and has racked up an impressive seven tackles for loss and five sacks.

“I can honestly tell you, I think he’s one of the best all-around football players in our league,” said Bonner. “What he has been able to do on the defensive side of the ball for us has been huge. He has a great motor, he’s a good tackler and has done a nice job blitzing off the edge.”

Wickersham’s toughness was on display yet again last Friday against the Cardinals with his 165-yard effort. The senior averaged 6.3 yards per carry and helped Tamaqua gain 25 first downs.

Wickersham and the Raiders will look to build off their success from last week as they head to North Schuylkill on Saturday at 7 p.m. for a chance to advance to the District 11 3A final for the second consecutive season.