CHARLOTT, N.C. — In a high scoring game like arena football, passing is paramount.

For the Charlotte Thunder, however, running the football is just as critical, and they do so quite nicely, thanks to David Hamm.

"Really, a vital asset, just running the ball,” said Hamm. “It opens up the passing game, and opens up our quarterbacks...both are dual threats, it's from both ends"

Hamm has been a problem for opposing defenses. In Saturday's 72-33 win over St. Louis, Hamm scored five rushing touchdowns. 

His contributions have been immeasurable in the Thunder’s perfect 5-0 start.  The former UTEP and McNeese State back has the admiration of his teammates for his style of play

"That kid's special man,” said Thunder quarterback Steffen Colon. “That kid goes downhill, he looks like he doesn't want action, but when you bring it to him, he's all about it. I call him one of those little country running backs. He can just run through everything, but doesn't have to run through everything. I love that kid.”

Hamm knows that he can't succeed on his own.  He counts on the offensive line to give him any crease they can, and he has taken advantage of that on the field.  Hamm then says thank you to that group off of it.

"I take them out every Sunday, and show them love because they really put their hearts out there on Saturday's,” Hamm said.  “That o-line averages 6-8. about 300 [pounds] and I trust those guys.”

Hamm's success in the indoor game is only fueling his desire to return to the outdoor game, specifically in the NFL.  Hamm feels that what he is doing now is something NFL teams should be paying attention to.

"It's better than when I was playing for the [then] Oakland Raiders,” Hamm continued. “I was running between the tackles. If I can run between the guards and the center, then I'm going to be a deadly weapon.”

“Knowing that I can put my nose in and block every down for a quarterback if we're going to throw the ball, I’m going to block," he said. "I'm not going to be a selfish player.  I'm going to be on special teams.  I'm going to be a player that a coach can rely on, especially when it comes down to crunch time.  Get me on the goal line, I'm gonna run it in.”

The Thunder host the Carolina Predators Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. inside Bojangle’s Coliseum.