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Apr 2020 Volume 6 Issue 2
Introducing Texas Gridiron Football
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Young, Determined, and Motivated
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October 2019 April 2020
Contents 6 13 14 15 17 18 19 22
9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 26 19 27 20 28 21 29 22 30 31 30 32 31 33 34 32 35 33 36 34 37 36 38 37 39 38 40 39 41 40 42
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lgf elite Guidry 150 camp Rhett Dylan Mehrotra Kollin Guillory Christian hawkins Zachae’us Sumlin George Hart III Chon Etem Ulusan Joshua Coleman Kavarius Whitehead Michael Carmouche Jr Keyon Pugh Graham Rebouche Marquise Mcknight Woodlawn-br; Young, Determined, Frey andEthan Motivated Lanard Harris Tre Griffin Rickie Collins Antonio Davis Aaron Gooden Chandler Harrison Timmothy wide Bennett receier high: Caleb Gallashaw Best Receiving Core In Louisiana Samuel Andrews Joel Williams Daylon Hammond Major Burns Khari Fields Zeon Chriss Joseph Auzenne Maleak Palmer Dallas Cobb Tyrell Raby Brody Heard Scott 7v7Mikel all-state Tournament joseph manero Kyle Wickersham Connor HayesO’Hara Fawcett Gabe Simmons Wyatt Shuff Robert ColeSmith Beard tre odom
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Joseph Kreger
STAFF
Owner/Publisher/CEO Owner/Publisher/ Owner/Publisher/ CEO CEO Coach AndyAndy Bryson Coach Coach Andy Bryson Bryson Editor Editor Editor Kristen Bryson Kristen Kristen Bryson Bryson Business Consultant Dir. Dir. Of Of Ad Ad Sales Sales And And Richard Hebert Business Business Development Development
Head Football Writer Corey CoreyScout/LSU Brownfield Brownfield
Josh Sibley Advertising/Sponsorships Advertising/Sponsorships
H/S Football Scout
Doug Doug Gann Gann Coach Marcus Randall Danielle Danielle Baca Baca Coach Fred Washington CoachConsultant Lamar Watson Business Business Consultant Coach CJ Maiden Richard Richard Hebert Hebert Coach Corey Brownfield Head Head Football Football Scout Scout Coach Tyler Lewis
Front FrontCenter: Center:Andy AndyBryson, Bryson,Back BackRow RowLeft Leftto toRight: Right:Richard RichardHebert, Hebert, Josh JoshSibley, Sibley,Jason JasonSaucier Saucier
Josh Josh Sibley Sibley
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H/S H/S Football Football Scout Scout Jason Saucier
Coach Coach Fred Washington Washington Robert Fred Brummel John Sliman Coach Coach Lamar Lamar Watson Watson
Hilton Eymard Photographer Photographer
Sideline Reporters Jason Jason Saucier Saucier
Dan Martin Robert Robert Brummel Alexia Hart Brummel John John Sliman Sliman Peter Martin Will Reporters Harper Sideline Sideline Reporters Colleen Dan DanO’Connell Martin Martin Leann Wills Peter Peter Martin Martin Zachary Weinstein
Josh Josh Kirkpatrick Kirkpatrick NFL Writer
Brady Brady Goings Kevin EmpyGoings NFL NFLWriter Writer Kevin Kevin Empey Empey
Follow Us louisianagridironfootball.com louisianagridironfootball.com @lagridfootball @lagridfootball @louisianagridironfootball @louisianagridironfootball
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Lgf elite 150 camp Louisiana Gridiron Football is committed to helping young men
obtain their hopes of playing under the lights on Saturday nights. Over the past six years that Louisiana Gridiron Football has been in business, we have helped over 2,000 young men get into college by helping them get the exposure they needed. When Coach Andy, owner of LGF, was an intern coach at two DI football teams, he learned that there are three areas that college coaches look at for each recruit; Character, Academics, and Athletic ability. But before a college coach can grade out a prospective recruit, they must first identify the recruit. That is why he started LGF in 2014, to help get the young men get exposure. Camps are an important part of growing as an athlete because you are able to learn from other experts from around the area.
Like coaches that attend coaching clinics to learn new techniques, players too need to be able to search out new techniques. Camps are also great ways to be seen by college coaches. In February, we held our first Elite 150 Camp at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge. Marcus Randall, head coach at Woodlawn High School and former LSU standout QB, hosted the camp. The purpose of this camp was to teach these young men how to standout at college camps this summer. The men that attended this camp were taught how to properly run a 40 yard dash, how to use their twitch muscles to do a long jump, then were given coaching tips on position specific drills. Stay tuned to www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com to find out when and where this summers camps will be.
OL Juan Gonzales John Curtis High C/O 2021 HT: 6’2” WT: 313
WR Daylon Hammond Alexandria High C/O 2022 HT: 5’11” WT: 176
DB/QB Daveion Grubb Leesville High C/O 2021 HT: 6’ WT: 157
WR Daylon Franklin Lutcher High C/O 2024 HT: 6’1” WT: 157
QB/FS Tahj Favorite White Castle High C/O 2021 HT: 6’ WT: 165
OL Jamall Franklin Jr Port Allen High C/O 2023 HT: 6’6” WT: 360
OL Terrell Halley Glen Oaks High C/O 2023 HT: 5’10” WT: 241
RB Caleb Gallashaw Leesville High C/O 2022 HT: 5’7” WT: 157
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LB Noah Simon A.M. Barbe High C/O 2021 HT: 5’11” WT: 193
OL Payton Todd A.M. Barbe High C/O 2021 HT: 6’1” WT: 264
WR Sharone Finister Ferriday High C/O 2022 HT: 6’ WT: 143
DE Josiah Mensah St. Helena High C/O 2022 HT: 6’1” WT: 173
LB Jayden Woods Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2022 HT: 5’9” WT: 181
DL Clarence Dunbar Glen Oaks High C/O 2023 HT: 5’6” WT: 186
RB George Hart III Catholic-BR High C/O 2021 HT: 5’10” WT: 198
LB Malachi Horton Thrive Academy C/O 2020 HT: 5’11” WT: 147
LB Adrian Davis JR Amite High C/O 2021 HT: 5’9” WT: 184
RB Keldall Washington East Accession High C/O 2022 HT: 5’8” WT: 171
RB Amani Givens Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2022 HT: 5’9” WT: 183
CB Camron Harris East Accession C/O 2022 HT: 5’7” WT: 155
RB Jordan Antoine Port Allen High C/O 2022 HT: 5’11” WT: 221
LB Robert Benton Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2021 HT: 5’11” WT: 189
WR Johnathan Benton Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2022 HT: 5’9” WT: 157
RB Claiborne Anders Parkview Baptist C/O 2021 HT: 5’9” WT: 178
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OL Kemp Oubre Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2023 HT: 5’6” WT: 246
DT Jamie Cleveland Scottlandville High C/O 2021 HT: 5’11” WT: 277
WR Peyton Richard Walker High C/O 2021 HT: 5’7” WT: 146
OL Reginald Burks Jr A.M. Barbe High C/O 2022 HT: 6’1” WT: 276
DT Langston Darby Madison Prep C/O 2022 HT: 6’ WT: 266
QB Rickie Collins Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2023 HT: 6’2” WT: 162
LB Jordan Toaston Catholic High C/O 2022 HT: 6’1” WT: 201
WR Larkin Price Zachary High C/O 2021 HT: 5’8” WT: 160
RB Ra’Saun Storks Lutcher High C/O 2021 HT: 5’9” WT: 201
QB Parker Maks Leesville High C/O 2023 HT: 5’8” WT: 138
LB Ashton Wilson Amite High C/O 2022 HT: 5’11” WT: 218
LB Joshua Coleman Springville High C/O 2021 HT: 5’11” WT: 188
RB Koby Linares Springville High C/O 2021 HT: 5’7” WT: 200
DL Junius Richard III Istrouma High C/O 2021 HT: 5’9” WT: 281
WR Rayshawn Charles St. James High C/O 2024 HT: 5’10” WT: 151
LB Breon Montgomery Walker High C/O 2023 HT: 5’7” WT: 173
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OL/DE Broderick Montgomery
Walker High C/O 2021 HT: 6’4” WT: 218
QB Mequan Christie Capital High C/O 2023 HT: 5’9” WT: 149
QB D’Wanye Winfield Lutcher High C/O 2023 HT: 6’1” WT: 183
RB Malik Haynes Glen Oaks High C/O 2021 HT: 5’10” WT: 158
QB/WR Cordale Richardson Glen Oaks High C/O 2023 HT: 6’1” WT: 138
RB Kyle Veal Jr Central C/O 2024 HT: 5’8” WT: 173
DB Ashton Stevens Belchase High C/O 2022 HT: 5’9” WT: 144
C Jailynn Franklin St. Helena High C/O 2021 HT: 5’9” WT: 254
WR Jaylon Henry Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2022 HT: 5’11” WT: 163
DE Eddie Powell Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2021 HT: 6’3” WT: 227
RB Jantzen Hammond Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2023 HT: 5’6” WT: 148
C Johnell Johnson Capital High C/O 2021 HT: 5’6” WT: 176
LB John O’Connor Mandeville High C/O 2021 HT: 5’11” WT: 192
DE Daylen Levi Mandeville High C/O 2021 HT: 6’1” WT: 275
WR Deon Lewis East Accession High C/O 2023 HT: 5’7” WT: 138
DB/RB Tyler Holloway Woodlawn-BR High C/O 2023 HT: 5’6” WT: 147
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DiamonD in The Rough OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE D
BECOME RECRUITED We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcase the talent and ability of these players. Use the QR c ode to vist eac h players hu dl link
Dylan Mehrotra is a class of 2021 quarterback from Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Mehrotra stands at 6’2”, 185 lbs with a 40 yard time of 4.7. In his 2019 campaign, Dylan led his team to a 9-3 record, throwing 82 of 132 for 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns. On the ground, Mehrotra rushed for 228 yards on 37 carries for 3 touchdowns. Equally dangerous as a passer and runner, Mehrotra has a big arm with the capabilities of torching defenses with the deep ball while also having the ability to escape the pocket and pick up big plays on the ground. Mehrotra is excellent in the pocket, but what is possibly more impressive is his ability to accurately deliver the ball on the run. Along with his excellent deep ball accuracy, Mehrotra can effectively deliver on short and intermediate routes as well, making him an overall headache for opposing defenses. With an exceptional football IQ, Dylan also excels in the classroom, posting an overall GPA of a 3.4. At what age did you begin playing football and what initially interested you about the sport? I began playing tackle football in third grade for All Star at Parkview. What interested me at first was being able to hit people and the thrill of hearing people cheering you on as you run for a touchdown.
Dylan Mehrotra Episcopal High School quarterback Baton Rouge, LA Ht: 6’2” Wt: 185 gpa: 3.4
Class of 2021 By: dan Martin
What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing? Football gave me something to be passionate about. It taught me the importance of hard work. If you work hard you can accomplish anything you want. Do you have a favorite memory from your playing career? Probably my game against capitol this past season. It was awesome to go 7/7 with 4 TDs in one half. Also being named a WBRZ player of the week finalist because of that game. Are you involved in any other sports or activities at school besides football? If so, how do you believe those experiences have helped you on the football field? Yes, I do Track and Field for Episcopal. Track has definitely helped me with football in becoming a better athlete but also a better person and leader. Coach Dupe is the best Track/Cross Country coach in the world and always preaches that we are good people no matter what we are doing. As a quarterback, what is it like being in that leadership position? What is the most rewarding aspect and what is the most challenging? I love playing the Quarterback position because you get total control of the offense and get to dictate where the ball goes on most plays. The most rewarding aspect is seeing the joy on my teammates faces when they catch a touchdown pass. I love seeing my teammates succeed and getting them involved. Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies or passions you pursue in your free time? What about them do you enjoy most? I love spending time with my family and friends. I love getting time on weekends to help them around the house and eating together as a family. What do you believe separates you from other high school quarterbacks in the state of Louisiana? What makes you unique to your position? What separates me is my high football IQ, my strong arm, my accuracy, and my quickness. But most importantly I am a good leader. What advice would you give to younger football players who hope to one day play high school football? I would tell them to work hard in the weightroom and on the field. Also they need to work hard in the film room. Studying film on your opponent and yourself can definitely give you the upper hand when Friday night comes. You only get 4 years of high school football, so you should make the most of it. Finally, what do you believe to be the most rewarding part about playing the sport and being a part of a team? The brotherhood of a football team is like no other sport. The relationships I have made with my teammates and even opposing players have been memorable. The tough practices, bus rides, wins and losses are definitely the main things I will miss after this coming season.
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Christian Hawkins is a 5’10”, 160 lb wide receiver from Acadiana High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. Christian showcases a strong set of hands, coupled with great ball awareness to snag the football from anywhere in his vicinity. He excels in lining up in the slot position, shedding defenses with a combination of smooth route running and shifty footwork in the open field. Adding to his football background, Hawkins is a member of the Acadiana High School basketball team and possesses a 3.2 GPA. He has high expectations for himself and his team this upcoming season. Christian Hawkins is a name that you want to keep on your radar, as he is poised for a breakout senior season.
DiamonD in The Rough
Around what age did you begin playing football? I started off when I was 7 years old. I played contact and flag football in the city rec league and haven’t stopped since . How would you describe your style of play? I always try to find open windows and make easy catches. Gaining yards after the catch is also important in my style of play.
Christian hawkins Acadiana
wide receiver lafayette, LA Ht: 5’10” Wt: 160 GPA: 3.2
Has WR always been your primary position, or did you start somewhere else? When I first started playing, I played QB, RB, Corner, and a couple other positions. When I got to High school, I wanted to find a solidified position which ended up being WR. What has been your favorite memory from high school football up until this point? This past season we went 15-0 and won the state championship. It was a really low scoring game, with the final score being 8-3, but the season altogether has definitely been the best thing so far. What is the most challenging aspect of lining up at WR? I would say having endurance. You run a lot as a receiver, sometimes not even getting the ball and can get tired. I try to stay in shape as best as possible. What player, college or NFL, do you watch and incorporate some of their skill set into your own? I don’t really have a favorite player at either level. I watch a lot of teams and players but if I had to choose one, it would be DeAndre Hopkins. He’s an underrated receiver and I love how he plays the game.
OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
What would you say sets you apart from other players in the state at your position? My heart and work ethic sets me above the rest. My basketball background has helped me simply because I work out a lot to stay in shape and that helps me build agility. I also do a lot of outside football drills to continuously get better.
BECOME RECRUITED
Class of 2021
Daryl Evans By: dan Martin
If any, what were your team’s pregame routines? We would put on all of our equipment and go in a classroom and listen to music until it’s time to touch the field. Have you thought about a possible college major? I want to study mechanical engineering.
Which aspect of your game can you always rely on to give you the We highlight the best junior and advantage over defensive backs?senior Having great hands and being able to use my speed to be able to get off the line. athletes Louisiana has What to isoffer. articles your most D.I.T.R. overlooked quality as a wideout? My ability to high point the ball and make contested catches, even over bigger corshowcase the talentners.and ability of these Walk me through some goals you’ve set for the upcoming season? I players. want my team to go undefeated again and repeat as state champions. I also want to get into a D-1 school and continue playing the game of football.
George Hart III is a class of 2021 running back from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Hart stands at six foot even and weighs in at a bruising 202 pounds. Hart, who split time with a very crowded senior backfield, looks ready to emerge as the next leader for the Bears. As a junior Hart had 400 yards and eight touchdowns on 54 rushing attempts. He also had five receptions for 40 yards, but the versatility of this young man does not stop at just rushing and receiving. Hart also notched a touchdown pass for the Bears in his junior campaign. George has not only proven himself on the field but also in the classroom where he is currently maintaining a 3.4 GPA. Did you play any other sports growing up? I played a couple, I played baseball and basketball. I started basketball a little earlier because it wasn’t a contact sport, I mean as much of a contact sport. But I’ve been playing all of them since about the same age.
George Hart III Catholic Baton Rouge running back Baton Rouge, LA Ht: 6’ Wt: 200 GPA: 3.4
For football did you always play running back or did you play any other positions? I actually played a little bit of quarterback when I was younger. I started playing running back around third grade when we were allowed to hit more. Who are some of your biggest influences? Really my mom and my dad. In terms of my dad who helps me workout, watching film and breaking down a game, he’s pretty smart with it. My mom, she’s always helping me keep up with my diet and with my homework. She’s always making sure I’m doing the right thing and not getting off track. Going back to this previous season, what were some of your personal goals and what were some of your goals as a team? As a team goal, just to win that first game and just win the next game. That’s always the ultimate goal but we try not to look that far ahead. We want to just take it one game at a time. My personal goal was to perform when I got the ball. I knew I was going to be a role player this year with three or four seniors in the backfield, so when I got my reps I just had to show everybody what I could do. Now that those seniors are gone, how do look to improve on those goals? Knowing that all those guys are gone I’m going to have to step into a bigger role, so just working on more versatility type stuff. Now work on my footwork a little bit more, tweaking some things that I know I should be working on, knowing the role I am stepping into.
Class of 2021
By: Sibley By: Josh dan Martin
Knowing that Catholic has always produced great running backs like Warrick Dunn, Derrius (Guice), and Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) and even more recently Joshua Parker, Braelen Morgan, and L.C. Benjamin does that kind of motivate you and put a chip on your shoulder to continue that legacy? Going into next season of course I want to play college football, but to get to that goal I got to keep working. It does put a little chip on my shoulder, because I want to be at that next level. I want to have my name up there with those guys that came ahead of me. What motivates you the most? Just trying to be better every day. Trying to repeat the goal that we couldn’t finish last year. Not come up short again, keep grinding every day, and try to win it. On game day on a scale of 1-10 what is your ideal performance number? A 10! I feel like I strive to be at a 10 every game and perform at my best. I feel like I’ve prepared well through the week taking care of my body, studying film on my opponent. I feel like I’m at a ten every time I play. At the end of this coming season, what would you want your coaches and teammates to say about you? That off the field, I was a good person, a hard worker. That I wanted the best for my teammates. That I could goof around, but when work had to be done I was serious because I was a hard worker, and a team player.
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DiamonD in The Rough OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
BECOME RECRUITED We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcase the talent and ability of these players.
Joshua Coleman is a class of 2021 receiver and linebacker who plays for Springfield High School in Springfield, Louisiana. Coleman stands at 6’0” and weighs 195. He first started playing football at a young age, going on to play on the Varsity team for New Caney High School in New Caney, Texas. Josh then moved to Springfield where we he continues to play not only varsity football, but also plays basketball and runs track. Coleman has the heart and passion for sports and a love for the game of football and gives his all in everything he does. Not only does Josh shine in sports, he is also a good student maintaining a 3.0 GPA, even after moving states. At what age did you begin playing football and what initially interested you most about the sport? I began playing when I was 8, at the time I was playing/ interested in basketball and baseball, but my dad was like “Hey, try it.” Ever since then it’s been in my head; it’s been my sport. I remember the first time I made my first touchdown, it just felt right.
Joshua Coleman Springfield
Springfield, La Linebacker ht: 6’ wt: 195 gpa: 3.0 class of 2021
Do or did you play any other sports? Right now, I just play football and run track. I do play basketball, but I took a year off to gain weight. Definitely going to play basketball next year though. What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing? At first, I started for fun and I didn’t see any potential until middle school, then it got serious. I felt as if I was losing my work ethic and almost quit football going into my 9th grade year. I’m glad I didn’t quit because my freshman year one of the games I played running-back and ran for 216 yards with 3 touchdowns. How does playing football in Texas differentiate from playing in Louisiana? Down here it’s just a sport, in Texas football is top notch. The importance of football here isn’t as great as it is in Texas. But I like that here I’m allowed to play multiple sports unlike in Texas. Who is your biggest role model? Why? Brady Pennington, my head coach from my high school in Texas. He is a great guy who loved to see everyone do good. At first, I was just playing football for fun, but he helped me see the other side of the game. Unfortunately, he retired this past year, so the guys now won’t be able to have that connection I had with him. Outside of sports do you have any hobbies you do in your free time. If so, what do you enjoy most about them? I rarely have time to sit back and relax, but I do enjoy some college football. My favorite team is the Texas Longhorns, and favorite player is Vince Young. I grew up watching the 2005 Rose Bowl. What are some of your personal goals for this next season or just in general? I would like to break the sack record for Louisiana. Last season I was third overall with 11.5.
By:By: Colleen O’Connell dan Martin
What steps have you taken to further obtain your goals? I am constantly working out, running drills, and practicing every day before and after school. I cannot live without football. What makes you stand-out among any other player? Character, I have character. You can’t judge character. I believe in playing as a team and not just as one person. How do you deal with the pressure of potentially playing at a collegiate level? There’s no pressure. If it’s my calling to play, then I’ll play. Whatever happens, happens. If it doesn’t, then it wasn’t meant to be. I’ve come to terms with God. What is something you had to overcome? How did it shape you into the person you are today? My freshman year I was ranked 29th out of the whole state of Texas. One of my coaches told me “you’ll never be good enough to play college football.” I was hurt, but I self-assessed. I wrote a note to myself that said “you are not good enough.” Every morning I woke up, saw that, and worked 10 times harder.
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Michael Carmouche Jr is a wide receiver out of Fredrick Douglass High School in New Orleans, LA. Studying this guy’s film, the first thing that came to mind was versatility. He’s able to run every route effectively, lined up in the slot or the outside. Carmouche is able stretch the field with a combination of speed and elite ball tracking skills. One of his strongest attributes, however, is his leaping ability, as he made an array of contested catches over defensive backs. The 6’0” 170 lb wideout was recognized as a first team all-district selection after an impressive junior season. Carmouche says he has even higher expectations for himself and his teammates to fulfill for his highly anticipated senior season. At what age did you start playing football and what were some of your biggest motivators for doing so? I’ve been playing football my whole life. I started contact when I was 9 years old. Some of my family members played and they introduced me to the sport at an early age.
Michael Carmouche Jr Fredrick Douglass New Orleans, La Wide Receiver Ht: 6’ wt: 170 class of 2021
Describe your style of play on the football field. I consider myself a deep threat wide receiver but feel as though I am just as well-rounded in every other aspect of the position. I can catch a screen pass and find the end zone or catch jump balls over defenders at any moment. You mentioned jump balls. As I analyzed your film, I noticed that your team did in fact throw you numerous fade routes, primarily in the red zone. Take me through what goes through your mind when you hear that play called in the huddle. I know that I must catch the ball at its highest point. I am confident in my ability to out leap any defensive back, so I just focus on coming down with the ball and getting my feet inbounds. What player at the professional or collegiate level is your favorite to watch and try to mimic some of their qualities? Julio Jones. He runs every route and has the ability to make any catch. He’s big and the perfect example of a complete wide receiver that I feel like I can one day become. Take a moment and think about if you didn’t play WR. Where else could you see yourself lining up to make an impact on the football field and why? I could see myself playing corner or safety. I have good ball skills and the ability to not bite on double routes. What has been your favorite high school memory until this point? When I caught my first touchdown my sophomore year. Throughout rec ball, I played DB so I had never scored a touchdown before then. What were some of your team’s pregame routines, if any? We would listen to music and get ourselves hyped. That was our way of getting into the mindset that we have to win. Outside of football, are there any other sports you play? I played basketball also when I was younger. I currently run track for my high school. I run the 4×2, long jump, high jump, hurdle, and I’ll probably run the 100 next year.
By: dan Martin By: Daryl Evans
What lesson has football taught you that will remain with you going forward? I learned that you can be a leader by example. People watch your actions and usually respect the fact that you are leading in that way. Someone’s always watching you, no matter what you’re doing. Walk me through what your offseason consists off. I attend summer practice. When I’m not with my team I run, workout, or play 7 on 7 football to stay in shape. Have you set any personal goals for next season? Tell me some of the expectations your team has for the season. I want to make all district, all state, and have a 1000 yard receiving season. The main goal that our team has set is to win the state championship. What do you hope your teammates and coaches say about Michael Carmouche Jr when your high school career is all said and done? That I was a hard worker, team player, a leader, and I always had my teammates’ backs.
Graham Rebouche quarterback Bunkie, LA Class Of 2021 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 160
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By: Dan Martin
F
“ inal play of the game. Shotgun formation. Three-man rush. Randall, stops, throws it as far as he can……caught, caught, touchdown! I do not believe it!” The famous call uttered by legendary LSU radio play-by-play announcer Jim Hawthorne on November 9, 2002, as the LSU Tigers achieved the impossible. Former LSU quarterback Marcus Randall found receiver Devery Henderson on a last second prayer for the game winning touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats. LSU would secure victory, 33-30, with the play immortalized in LSU history; later to be known as the Bluegrass Miracle. Just under two decades later, Marcus Randall looks to overcome another daunting feat; this time not as a player, but as a coach. Prior to the 2019 season, Woodlawn High School hired Randall to lead their football team as the Panther’s new head coach. With a previous, two-year tenure at Woodlawn as an assistant coach, Randall helped the Panthers claim a district title during the 2010 season and also had a role on the coaching staff at Tara High. Before entering the coaching world, Marcus Randall spent valuable time in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans, where he looked to hone his skills as both player and eventual coach. Randall also had a stretch of playing time as a quarterback in the AAFL, the All-American Football League, for Team Arkansas. However, none of the teams would be allowed to play a game, due to the league’s announcement of relaunching. Now at the helm of his own program, Randall was then tasked with achieving another “miracle” in its own sense; rebuild the Woodlawn football program as competitors, as the team made the always-challenging leap from Class 4A to 5A football. Considered the toughest class in all of Louisiana high school sports by most, Randall and company quickly got to work in transforming the Panther program at both the cultural and schematic levels. “It starts with focusing on and building depth for the program. With the immediate culture changes, we see across the board, it’s important to look at our younger guys, the ones coming back for next year and years to come and getting them to buy into what we’re trying to build here.” According to coach Randall, building depth to compete in Class 5A is not solely about having the necessary reserves at all sides of the ball. Rather, the head coach is adamant that building necessary depth, at all positions, which allows for his players to more appropriately and effectively compete at the 5A level, by placing his young athletes at positions that best compliment their skill sets. Randall quickly needed to adjust his roster to compete at the highest level and notes the difference in proper personnel management between 4A and 5A ball. “In 4A you find yourself in the position of sometimes having to play guys that aren’t necessarily being used to their full advantage, but the smaller roster depth meant playing guys at differing positions that do not always compliment their playing styles in the most effective way. By moving up to 5A, we’re in a position to grow that depth, allowing the staff to focus on players skill sets and allowing us to assign roles that best fit them and the team as a whole,” states Randall. Schematically, the former Tiger great, looked upon his college and professional playing career to bring a much-needed edge to his
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new program. With knowledge on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Randall looked at his knowledge gained, just thirteen miles down the road at Death Valley, from five-time national championship winning coach Nick Saban and his former offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. During his NFL tenure, Randall spent significant time playing on the defensive side of the ball as both a professional safety and linebacker. He soon recognized the advantages of applying both collegiate and professional level schemes to the high school level, claiming that building a strong infrastructure of football IQ was the next step in getting his guys ready to compete at the 5A level. Not only does Randall recognize the difficulties of moving up to Class 5A. Class of 2021 middle linebacker Aaron Gooden shared his thoughts on the transition up from 4A as well. “The competition is just more difficult, plain and simple. The games have a tendency to be a lot tougher because when you’re looking at your opponent across the field, you know they can match your speed, size, and strength. As competitors, we love this challenge and as a result we immediately noticed that the entire atmosphere of the games played in Class 5A was bigger and grander, giving the game an entirely new energy,” Gooden stated. After only a two-win 2019 campaign, Coach Randall, along with his players and staff, did not look upon the season as a failure. Rather, the team quickly recognized the season as a valuable learning experience, realizing that an immediate jump to 5A is rarely accompanied by rapid success. “Before and after the 2019 season, we still remain focused on building our football IQ for both the under and upperclassman. We even saw seniors on our team playing their first snaps as starters this year and I immediately knew that enhancing our football intelligence was something that would make us immediate competitors. With the 2019 season behind us, it’s a great time to put in the work for our guys to let allow them to slow the game down and recognize things before they happen,” Randall says. The new Panther CEO spoke of the importance of having guys in small groups, maximizing their retention of football knowledge and play recognition. Randall pointed out some steps he and his staff were taking to implement this knowledge by “having four-on-one sessions with small groups of guys, letting our coaches focus their energy in small-group collaboration to enhance our total knowledge output.” Moving forward, Coach Randall’s next task was to take his knowledge of the professional and collegiate game and apply it to his team in a way that meshed well within the landscape of high school football. By molding his offense and defense into a unit that more resembled one at the college level than high school, Coach Randall believes it to be a necessary step in the right direction in order to compete with the very best programs across the state. “We want both our offense and defense to run at a college style level. Getting guys like our quarterbacks to not only recognize defensive coverages, but also having a vast knowledge of more complex blocking schemes. On defense, it’s vital to take our playstyle to a more advanced level by effectively mixing coverages and not being reliant on running the same things over and over like you see at some places across the state,” tells Randall. His offense and defense transitioning into a college styled approach meant switching up some philosophies that his players might not have had previous exposure to. Randall worked on implementing a more multiple-set approach to the game, which he believes
the team has responded well to. Speaking with six-foot-five, true freshman quarterback Rickie Collins on what the newest Panther head ball coach brings to Woodlawn and the changes Randall he has brought with him, Collins states that, “Coach Randall has breathed new life into our program. He approached us with an entirely new knowledge of the game that I think we have benefitted from as a whole. While a bit challenging at first, I believe the entire team has put in a tremendous amount of work in soaking up this information like a sponge.” With an implementation of multiple-sets, Coach Randall believes it gives his squad the best shot at being competitors and an effective unit on the field. However, the transition to more complicated philosophies always comes with challenges, especially at the high school level. This fact was extremely well known by Randall, who explained his decision to switch to a multiple approach. “Looking at the college level, coaches and teams are able to recruit and bring in guys that best suit their systems. Whether that’s a pure spread philosophy, air raid, west coast, or even pro-style, colleges can tailor their teams to run whatever they feel will be most effective. When it comes to high school ball, you have to realize that the entire makeup of the team can change year-to-year. That’s where my decision to adopt a multiple look comes from. If one year our personnel are better equipped to run under center in the I-from, we’ll have the knowledge to do so. If the next year we have the players to effectively adopt more spread concepts, then we know it’s always in our wheelhouse and can comfortably install those schemes.” The 2020 high school football season may be in doubt in Louisiana due to the recent COVID-19 epidemic, but what is not in doubt is the team’s work ethic and hope for the future of Woodlawn football. Coach Randall has made it clear to his players that in times like these, it is important to realize that, while not being able to meet face-to-face and conduct spring and summer ball per the norm, there is still work that is able to be accomplished by his team. Defensive back Lanard Harris echoes his head coach’s sentiment regarding this matter, by stating that “the only thing we can do in this difficult time is ensure we are taking the proper steps at an individual level. We have to do whatever we can do as individuals to better ourselves, whether that means working out to continue staying in shape or watching film on our own, we can’t let this setback affect us worse than it already has.”
This type of selflessness and strive for greatness is something Randall had hoped to instill in the team when he first took the job as the Panther’s head coach. For Marcus Randall, his football program is not one to be locked into a purely x’s and o’s mentality. Randall was adamant about also creating a culture of brotherhood at Woodlawn, to which he believes is equally vital to a program’s success. Tim Bennett, an upcoming Woodlawn senior, had this to say about the immediate impacts Coach Randall brought to the table. “Some major impacts Coach Randall and the rest of the coaching staff have brought to the team are leadership, brotherhood and great discipline. Another good impact Coach Randall had on the team was experience because, as a former LSU QB, he knows what it takes to get you to that next level. All of this was a great impact on the team because it was something we all desperately needed, especially in these times,” Bennett says. Although the future of the 2020 Louisiana high school football season is still up in the air, it is apparent to the Woodlawn faithful that the program is undoubtedly heading in the right direction under Coach Marcus Randall. A man who has faced multiple impossible feats as a player, now looks to do the same for his young, but extremely talented football program as a head coach. No stranger to adversity, Randall is taking his methodical approach and applying it in all the right ways to lead his group of young men into the future of Woodlawn football. While the road ahead may be rocky and the work to turn his program into a premier destination in Louisiana Class 5A football will require an uncanny amount of effort, it is clear to Marcus Randall that his and the team’s goals are well inside their reach. If there is one man who has the experience in achieving the impossible, it is Marcus Randall, who will gladly explain from first-hand experience that miracles, do in fact, happen.
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Lanard Harris is a class of 2021 defensive back out of Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Harris stands 5’9”, 175 lbs with a bench press of 290, a squat of 385, and a 40 yard dash time of 4.49. Along with DB, Harris is an exceptional receiver, posing as a go-to deep threat anytime he steps onto the field. On special teams, Lanard should be avoided at all costs for opposing kickoff teams. Harris has a dangerous return ability with little problems finding correct lanes and can take it to the house once in open space. A special defensive back all in all, Harris can just as easily pick off quarterbacks as he can lower his shoulder to provide monstrous hits on opposing ball carriers. Harris has an uncanny nose for the football and is an overall ball-hawking defender.
DiamonD in The Rough
Lanard Harris Woodlawn-BR
Baton Rouge, La Defensive Back Ht: 5’9” wt: 175 class of 2021
At what age did you begin playing football and what initially interested you about the sport? I started playing football at the age of 5 years old. What initially interested me about football was watching family play and seeing stars in the NFL play. It looked fun and I wanted to try it. What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing? What football taught me about myself is that I’m a hard worker, and there may be hard times but to never give up. Once I saw the talent and the ability to do the things I could do, it showed me that football was my way out and there to make my dreams come true. Who or what has been your biggest motivation or role model in the sport? My biggest motivation is Ray Lewis and my role model is Jamal Adams. Do you have a favorite memory from your playing career? My second to last game against Catholic High. I scored 4 touchdowns but they called 2 back. Also, in my last game against McKinley High School, I took the football out of the running back’s hands from the 25 yard line and scored a 75 yard touchdown.
Are you involved in any other sports or activities at school besides football? If so, how do you believe those experiences have helped you on the football field? Yes, I am involved in Track and Field. These experiences have helped me with my speed and the ability to perform better on the field. As a defensive back, what is it like being in a leadership position? What is the most rewarding aspect and what is the most challenging? Being in the defensive back leadership position, it has always pushed me to do better because I know there’s always somebody on the team looking up to me. So, I must set an example in the classroom most importantly, on the field, and off the field!
OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
Do you have a favorite athlete, college or NFL, that you look up to? My favorite athlete is Xavier Mckinney from Alabama State University. A college that I look up to is LSU because it is a great school educationally, have an amazing coaching staff, and great players. Also, they are the 2020 National Champions
BECOME RECRUITED
What current player, college or NFL, do you believe your playstyle reflects most? Xavier Mckinney because we both play Safety; we are both aggressive and quick.
By: dan Martin
Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies or passions you pursue in your free time? What about them do you enjoy most? Some of hobbies are playing video games, going out with friends, and doing extra work to help me get better in school. For the 2020 season, what are some personal goals that you look forward to accomplishing? Has your team set a specific set of goals for the upcoming season as well? Some personal goals I have is to make all-state, become the number 1 player in LA, and sign to a D-1 college for football. Yes, my team has set some high goals for the season that we plan to achieve them.
We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles What do you believe separates you from other high school lineman in the state of me different from DB’s is my speed, my aggressiveshowcase the talent andmakesability of other these Louisiana? What ness and the way I play. What makes you unique to your position? What makes me unique is my speed, my players. fast reactions, my weight and, strength.
What advice would you give to younger football players who hope to one day play high school football? Some advice I would give is always put school first and sports second, always work hard and never give up. Also, to always stay focused.
Rickie Collins is a class of 2023 quarterback for Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Even at such a young age, Collins possesses a great build for the quarterback position, standing at 6’2” and 170 lbs. An upcoming sophomore, Collins is equipped with an absolute cannon of an arm, with great touch and accuracy to make up his arm strength. If not through the air, Rickie has little problems finding open running lanes and torching defenses with his speed. It is normal for Freshman quarterbacks to have problems adjusting to the steep learning curve of the position, but watching Collins’s film, it is evident that his football IQ is beyond his years. Whether making the correct reads through the air or in the option game, Collins rarely struggles with his quick decision making. Along with an exceptional football intelligence, Rickie maintains that attitude in the classroom, boasting a 3.6 overall GPA. What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing? It showed me how to bond and build a brotherhood, and how people can become family to you.
Rickie Collins Woodlawn-BR
Baton Rouge, LA Quarterback ht: 6’2” wt: 170 gpa: 3.6 class of 2023
Who or what has been your biggest motivation or role model in the sport? My motivation is not to fail and I’ll say my role model is my grandfather. He taught me pretty much everything I know. Do you have a favorite memory from your playing career? My favorite memory of my whole career I’ll have to say is this year. I’ve learned so much in this past year. Are you involved in any other sports or activities at school besides football? If so, how do you believe those experiences have helped you on the football field? I also play basketball and baseball and it helps me on the field by adjusting to different atmospheres. As a quarterback, what is it like being in a leadership position? What is the most rewarding aspect and what is the most challenging? I love that pressure, I love the spotlight, I love carrying my dogs on my back. The thing I love the most about it is that I’m the person everyone comes to and when you put your teammates in position to make the big play it is extremely satisfying. Do you have a favorite athlete, college or NFL, that you look up to? The athlete I look up to most is Deshaun Watson. Just the swagger in the leadership he brings to the games is something I try to model myself after. What current player, college or NFL, do you believe your playstyle reflects most? I think I play closest to Pat Mahomes because he just has that unique play making ability that I possess. Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies or passions you pursue in your free time? What about them do you enjoy most? I just like spending time with my family and bettering myself as both an athlete and a person.
By: dan Martin
For the 2020 season, what are some personal goals that you look forward to accomplishing? Has your team set a specific set of goals for the upcoming season as well? Some personal goals I have are sharpening my foot work, sharpening my reads. getting stronger mentally and physically, and becoming a better teammate. We just try to make each other better and get to the dome and just build our program as a powerhouse What advice would you give to younger football players who hope to one day play high school football? I’d say I’m this lost breed that I bring my own little flavor to the game and I’ll tell them to get in their books, stay humble, be respectful, grind and out work the next man. What are some of the biggest impacts that first year head coach, Marcus Randall, has brought to the program? Coach Randall brought this swagger and this work ethic that we all feed off of as a team. He brought an entirely different knowledge of the game being a college and professional football player. Our guys soaked up that knowledge like a sponge.
Aaron Gooden is a class of 2021 middle linebacker from Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Gooden stands at 6’0”, 230lbs with a bench of 405, a squat of 485, and a 40 yard dash time of a 4.6. With his monstrous strength, quick speed, and great size, Gooden is an absolute perfect match for the middle linebacker position. As evidenced by his film, Aaron possesses an incredible awareness on field, sniffing out ball carriers and hitting them with near concussive force. With exceptional run stopping ability, Gooden’s speed and awareness make him an excellent player in zone coverage as well. His intelligence and awareness on the field is impressive, while Aaron posts equally impressive results in the classroom with an overall GPA of 3.0.
DiamonD in The Rough
At what age did you begin playing football and what initially interested you about the sport? I started playing football at 5 years old and at first, I didn’t want to play but my dad kept pushing me and over time I fell in love with it.
Aaron Gooden Woodlawn-BR
Baton Rouge, La middle linebacker ht: 6’ wt: 230 gpa: 3.0 class of 2021
What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing? Football taught me how to work with a team and how to never give up no matter how hard things may get, it’s always going to pay off. Who or what has been your biggest motivation or role model in the sport? My dad has been my biggest role model. Do you have a favorite memory from your playing career? My first varsity game I was a freshman and I got playing time. Being a freshman and to hear my name called was pretty cool. Are you involved in any other sports or activities at school besides football? If so, how do you believe those experiences have helped you on the football field? Yes, I’m on the powerlifting team and it helps me get stronger for when I’m on the football field. As a defensive end and linebacker, what is it like being in that position? What is the most rewarding aspect and what is the most challenging? Being a linebacker, you’re constantly thinking it’s your job to make sure that everybody is lined up correctly and everybody knows where they need to go and what they need to be doing on each play.
OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
Do you have a favorite athlete, college or NFL, that you look up to? My favorite linebacker of all time is Ray Lewis. That’s why I wear the number 52. What current player, college or NFL, do you believe your playstyle reflects most? I believe my play style mostly reflects Devin White because we are around the same height and weight and also we’re both fast linebackers who know how to read and react to the offense. Also, we’re both good communicators on and off the field.
BECOME RECRUITED
Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies or passions you pursue in your free time? What about them do you enjoy most? I enjoy spending time with my dad and my friends
By: dan Martin
For the 2020 season, what are some personal goals that you look forward to accomplishing? Has your team set a specific set of goals for the upcoming season as well? My personal goal for this season is to not only make All-District again, but to make All-State, leading the state in tackles. For the team, our goal is to just win as many games as possible and hopefully play for a championship.
We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has D.I.T.R. articles What to do youoffer. believe separates you from other high school lineman in the state of Louisiana? What makes you unique to your position? I do believe I’m the best linebacker the state because skill-set. I’m very good at reading showcase the talent and inability ofof mythese and knowing what to expect from the other team and I’m always watching film. Also, I have really good grades, which I think helps separate me. players. What advice would you give to younger football players who hope to one
day play high school football? Stay hungry and believe in yourself don’t let anybody stop you from being great and perfect your craft also stay watching film.
Timmothy Bennett is a class of 2021 defensive and offensive guard out of Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Bennett stands at 6’0”, 280 lbs with a bench of 405, a squat of 575, and runs a 5.2 40 yard dash time. A versatile athlete, Tim can just as easily tear through enemy offensive lines, while being equally efficient in both pass protection and run blocking as an offensive lineman. Although Bennett and his fellow teammates are not currently allowed practice due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Bennett says it has not stopped him from training on his own terms, staying in-shape in wait for the 2020 season. His hard work off the field is also evident in the classroom, where Tim maintains a 3.0 GPA.
Timmothy Bennett Woodlawn-BR
Baton Rouge, La Offensive/defensive Line ht: 6’ wt: 280 gpa: 3.0 class of 2021
At what age did you begin playing football and what initially interested you about the sport? I was 4 when I fell in love with the game of football. What I liked about it was how I could show my toughness on the field and the overall physicality of the game. What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing? Football taught me discipline, teamwork and overcoming adversity. Who or what has been your biggest motivation or role model in the sport? My family is my biggest role model because I can depend on them, look up to them and they motivate me constantly. Are you involved in any other sports or activities at school besides football? If so, how do you believe those experiences have helped you on the football field? I involve myself with other sports such as powerlifting. This has a great impact on the football field because it helped me get stronger and have faster explosion off the ball. As a lineman, what is it like being in that position? What is the most rewarding aspect and what is the most challenging? As a lineman, being in my position means you get to dominate, you get to see who’s the better person when it comes down to TRENCH WORK. The most rewarding aspect of being a lineman is the feeling of knowing that you play a special role in football, but a challenging aspect is it can never be one person, everyone has to work as a unit. Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies or passions you pursue in your free time? What about them do you enjoy most? Outside of football life, I do enjoy the culinary arts because it’s something I’m also very good at. What do you believe separates you from other high school lineman in the state of Louisiana? What makes you unique to your position? What separates me from other players and lineman is my willingness to get better because if there was a mistake made by me I will be the first to ask for feedback. What makes me unique to my position is that everyone isn’t meant to play that role, like my coach always says ‘’everybody ain’t got that dawg in em”.
By: dan Martin
What advice would you give to younger football players who hope to one day play high school football? Some advice I would give younger people trying to play high school football to never give up on something you truly want, be dedicated and motivated. What are some of the biggest impacts that first year head coach, Marcus Randall, has brought to the program? Some major impacts Coach Randall and the rest of the coaching staff has brought to the team is leadership, brotherhood and discipline. Another good impact Coach Randall had on the team was experience because, as a former LSU QB, he knows what it takes to get you to that next level. All this was a great impact on the team because it was something we all needed. Finally, what do you believe to be the most rewarding part about playing the sport and being a part of a team? The most rewarding part about playing the game of football is about enjoying it and chasing your dream. It’s rewarding to be a part of a team because you have more family that you can depend on in almost any situation.
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DiamonD in The Rough OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
B E C O M E R E C R U I T E D Caleb Gallashaw Running Back Leesville, La highlight the best junior and
We senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles Class showcase the talentOf and2022 ability of these Ht: 5’7” players. Wt: 165
Samuel Andrews is a 6’2”, 270 lb defensive lineman from Ruston High School in Ruston, Louisiana. Studying Samuel’s film, he not only plays defensive tackle, but tight end as well. He has been around football his whole life, and the game is making him a better player on the field and a better person off the field. Samuel’s teammates and himself push each other to do better and work harder every practice and the results has reflected on their past season when Ruston High played in the semifinals. This upcoming senior, defensive lineman gets the job done that is cut out for him, and he does not back down from a challenge – no matter what circumstances surround him. When did you start playing football? I put my first helmet on when I was 8 or 9 year old, but my dad was a football coach when I was growing up. So, I was always around the game. What attracted you to the game at such a young age? Growing up around football, and I saw what it was like to be playing on Friday nights – playing with the big guys. As I said, when I was little, I just wanted to be in atmosphere and have a chance to play college ball.
Samuel Andrews Would you agree that the atmosphere was a reason you committed to playing Ruston
Ruston, La Defensive Lineman ht: 6’2” wt: 270 class of 2021
football? Yeah, the atmosphere and the thought in my mind like I can possibly have my parents not pay for anything else like college – I could take care of my family. You mentioned earlier that your dad coached football when you were younger. Is he still coaching today, or did he retire? No ma’am. I was the last person he coached, and I was 11 years old when he stopped coaching. He coached football for about 5 years. He used to coach at Arcadia High. He was the offensive line and defensive line coach when I was little. So, speaking of yourself playing football, how would you describe your playing style on the field? On the field, I would describe my playing style as I’m always hustling to the ball no matter who my opponent is. Whether they may be ranked or not, I go out there and give it the best that I have. I play with no regrets. I do what I have to do to get the job done. You’re a junior right now, and next fall will be your senior season, right? Are you excited for the upcoming season? Yes ma’am, I am. What are you looking forward to the most when you think about your senior season? This year will be my first year playing 5A ball. When I was a freshman and sophomore, I played at Arcadia High. Then I transfer to Ruston High last summer. So, last year, it was a challenge because I wasn’t used to 5A ball. I was used to playing 1A ball, but when you get to 5A ball, there’s a big difference. Could you go more into detail about that difference between playing 1A and 5A ball? The physicality is different. With the workouts in 5A, you have to be a lot stronger. The coaching is harder because you’re playing big boy ball now. I had to train my body, eat better and lean up, and give it all that I have. To me, the biggest difference is the physicality because in 1A ball, I might have been the biggest guy on the field. Now, in 5A ball, some cases I may be up there with the bigger guys and sometimes I may be smaller than them.
by: Wills By:Leann dan Martin
Wow. That is crazy just trying to picture that in my mind. Speaking of the physicality and mentality surrounding football and playing the game, do you consider football to be harder mentally, physically, or both? In my opinion, it’s harder mentally because it challenges you to do a lot. There was one practice – we had an unofficial scrimmage. We played West Monroe and it was my first time stepping on the field with 5A ball. Before the game, I had chills. I was scared at first, but I had to think about it: it’s going to better me because if I want to go to college and play against other college players, I have to be able to compete beyond my level right now. When you get to college, no offensive line, no defensive line is going to be small. So, I just had to put on my big boy shoes. Physicality, it’s hard too. You have to think about every play – somebody is coming to get after you no matter what it is. Referring back to the mentality statement, conditioning is the hard part. After we played that West Monroe game, the following Monday we had practice and a few of my teammates were late getting up on the field. My coach called us up. He said we had five minutes to go back into the locker room, get back in our work out clothes and tennis shoes. We had to run 200s on the track for like forty minutes, and we were in the dead heat too. It was four in the evening when we did that. That evening was hard, but that helped us out as a team. Some people might think I’m crazy I said, but in my opinion, when we ran those 200s, we got closer as a team. Not only were we running together, but we were encouraging each other like “don’t quit”, “don’t stop”, and “just keep going”. That’s when I think we got closer a team as the year kept going. Also, spiritually, I just always keep God first. When I put God first, I can do anything.
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Daylon Hammond is a 6’0’’, 177-pound receiver from Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. Hammond displays elite speed and route running. His technique of head fakes and releasing off the line is on par with some of the best receivers in the nation. He can also be placed into the backfield for an added threat. His patience to find holes in the line and patience to read the linebackers to sit in holes is unmatched. He also has a great ability to high point the football and make plays over the top of defensive backs. The combination of both the vertical and speed of Hammond makes him a great deep ball threat. Hammond draws double teams and forces opposing coaches to game plan around him. What made you decide to start playing football and when did you really get into it? I really started when I was a kid. I played in a AAA league in Alexandria when I was about 8 or 9. I quit playing after that and did not really start back up until I got into Junior High. I was not a huge fan of contact at first but I really started to enjoy it and got back into it.
DiamonD in The Rough Daylon Hammond Alexandria senior High Alexandria, La Wide Receiver ht: 6’ wt: 177 class of 2021
How do you get ready for a game? I start out by just sitting off by myself. Usually in the locker room. From there I just put my headphones in and start listening to music. I just take the day and try to focus in. How do you think that playing football has helped you grow as a person off the field? It helps me be a better person off the field because I stay locked in even when I am not on the field regardless of what is going on. I take the discipline I learned on the field and apply it to every aspect of my life. What do you think really sets you apart from a lot of the other player at your position? Most of them aren’t really football players. They just play football because they think it is the cool thing to do. With me I have that motivation to really work hard and go somewhere. That makes me work a lot harder than they do. I want it more than them. Who would you see, either in the NFL or in college, that you model your game after? Justin Jefferson. He is a great route runner. He is also a very aggressive runner. He runs to the football very aggressively and makes great plays on it. He is just a ball player more than anything.
OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
Who do you think has been the biggest influence on your life so far? My dad. He really helped me out a lot growing up. He also was a great football player, so he gives me a lot of tips. Do you play any other sports in high school, and how have those skills translated to the football field? I play basketball and baseball. Well in basketball it is a lot of running. That really helps build up my speed and my quick change of direction. With baseball, it has helped out my reaction time. You don’t have a long amount of time to decide what you are going to do. Baseball has really taught me to think quick on my feet and make important decisions in split seconds. How do you think your coaches and teammates would describe you as a player? My coach always says I am a hard worker, and I think my teammates can attest to that. I also think my teammates look at me as someone they can come to. They would say I was a leader of the team and a team player. What is your favorite part about playing in a football game? The fact that I can hit someone without being in the wrong. I can just play aggressive and have fun doing it. What kind of goals, either personal or as a team, do you have for this next season? I want to become a better player and a better person for my team. I want to come out and help my team win more games. I feel like I might have been held back some years just due to my age, but this year feels like a breakout year to me. Did you always play receiver, or did you start somewhere else? When I first started I actually played defensive back. Then I transitioned over to my receiver. It really helped me understand exactly how the defensive back was going to play me.
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By Will Harper By: dan Martin
We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcase the talent and ability of these players.
Khari Fields Helen Cox
Harvey, La Wide Receiver ht: 6’ wt: 167 class of 2021
Khari Fields is a 6’0”, 167 pound Junior in Helen Cox High School in Harvey, Louisiana who truly lives up to his nickname “The Jet” when you see him fire off the line of scrimmage. His ability to use his speed, feet, and hands to gain separation from a defensive back is a key part of why he is an elite receiver. Fields has a great ability to highpoint a ball and gives opposing defensive coordinators an offensive player to key on due to his great route running abilities. Fields manages to cut and accelerate out of the cuts fast enough to give him yards of open field all around him. His run after the catch is what makes him so explosive. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and kick it in to high gear makes him a matchup nightmare for any defensive back. Once in open field, it is nearly impossible to catch Fields. His 4.5, 40 showcases his elite speed, but his film shows he is more than just a fast runner. He has the ability to make difficult catches look routine and is a reliable option to not drop open passes. Sticking him in at wildcat opens up a whole new can of problems for opposing players to worry about, as his quickness makes him hard to bring down. His combination of speed, route running, and catching, make him a valuable asset to any college program. What made you decide you wanted to start playing football and when did you start playing? I started playing in Mobile, Alabama when I was 7 years old. I started out living with my mom in New Orleans, then one day I moved with my dad to Alabama and he asked if I wanted to play football and I started playing then. My dad is for sure a big reason I started playing. Who would you say, either in college or the NFL, that you like to model your game after? Jerry Jeudy. The way we play is very similar. He is extremely fast and hard to catch and I like to play that way. I play fast and hard. I feel like we share some a similar skill set. Do you play any other sports in high school? I run track. I run the 200, the 400, and do long jump. The training for that really helps develop speed and the ability to keep going even when you are tired. How do you prepare for game day? I get focused by myself honestly. I throw my beats on and listen to Lil Boosie. It helps me get into the right mindset of the game and be ready to do my job each night. A lot of people at the Wide Receiver position, what do you think sets you apart from the other receivers? I am really an athlete. You can stick me pretty much anywhere but the line and I will be able to make plays. I understand every position and what their responsibilities are. Anywhere that I am needed, I can make a play. How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you as a player? Definitely a leader. Both on and off the field. My freshman year the guys above me really took me in and helped guide me. Now I am trying to do the same thing and help some of the younger people and take them under my wing. Did you always play wide receiver or did you start somewhere else? Actually, in Alabama I played tight end. Then when I moved back to New Orleans, my dad coached us and put me at quarterback. That is one of the reasons I still understand a lot about that position. Ultimately, I got moved to receiver but I can make plays everywhere.
By By:Will danHarper Martin
Being a student athlete in high school the importance of academics is drilled into your head. How do you find a balance between the two? Actually, before we have practice or workouts we have a study hall that the coaches hold. So we get all of our work in before practice and all that. What goals, either personal or for the team, do you have for this coming up season? For the team, I really just want to go further than we did last year. We had a tough season. We lost our head coach two weeks before the season started, and the second game of the season our quarter back broke his leg. So, it was a tough season. Losing your head coach and starting QB at the beginning of the season has to be hard. How did this effect the team morale and how did you step up to overcome it? It had a major impact on our team. Morale was way down for a bit. I stepped up and went to quarterback and receiver. Sometimes coach needs me to make a play with my legs from the backfield and I step up and execute when I am needed.
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DiamonD in The Rough OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
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Joseph Auzenne Defensive Line We highlight the best junior and senior Leesville, La athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcaseClass the talentOf and2022 ability of these Ht: 6’ players. Wt: 290
Dallas Cobb Parkview Baptist baton Rouge, La Offensive Line ht: 6’5” wt: 265 gpa: 3.2 act: 21 class of 2021
Dallas Cobb is an offensive lineman out of Parkview Baptist High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dallas measures at 6’5”, 265 lbs and is a physical force along the OL. He explodes off the ball and gets good hand placement on defensive lineman. His frame assists him greatly in pass blocking, as he is able to control defenders and take them out of plays with a combination of strength, length, and technique. Aside from football, Dallas maintains high standards in the classroom with a 3.2 GPA and a score of 21 on the ACT. Dallas eyes greatness and is committed to chasing his dreams through hard work. When did you start playing football and what are some things that stood out to you about the sport? I started playing when I was 6 years old with a pewee team in Prairieville. I liked being on the team, seeing the progress we made, we started winning, and I ended up falling in love with the game. In what ways have you developed as a player from your freshman year until now? I feel like I’ve gotten much stronger. My freshman year, I was kind of just going through the motions. Now everything’s starting to click and I’m coming along as a player. Are you strongest in run or pass blocking? I prefer pass blocking. I have long arms which allows me the advantage to place the defender where I want him to be and hold my block. Walk me through what’s going through your mind when it’s a tough game and you have to just keep grinding play after play? I’m thinking my objective is to move this guy wherever I want him to go and to not let him be the one that makes the play. What has been your most exciting memory from High School football so far? Over this past season, the Dunham game was really fun. We struggled most of the first half and went down 14-3 at halftime. The second half was a dog fight, but we ended up winning 18-14. What are some of the team’s goals for this upcoming season? Personal goals? As a team, we want to first focus on winning district, and eventually we want to win the state championship. For myself, I want to make sure that no one beats me. I want to get into the best shape physically and mentally in order to take on any opponent this year. What does an offseason for Dallas Cobb look like? I work out every morning with my team at school and that’s just straight weights. After school, I’ll work out and get reps with my teammate DeSanto Rollins. He’s committed to Ole Miss and graduates this coming year as well.
By: Daryl Evans By: dan Martin
Who are your biggest motivators for playing the game you love today? Growing up, both of my brothers played. Seeing them play made me want to follow in their footsteps and be just like them. Past or present, NFL or collegiate, what players do you watch and try to copy their style of play? Andrew Whitworth and Austin Deculus. Andrew is a technician. He has great footwork, hand placement, and he’s a big guy. I like how Austin plays. He possesses those same qualities, plays physically, and is just a good player to model your game after. Any lessons that the game of football has instilled in you that will last forever? Nothing comes easy and you have to work for what you want. Teamwork makes the dream work, kind of like how the OL has to work together. Everyone working together is always good and when that happens, you can have success. What do you hope your teammates and coaches say about you after you’re done playing at Parkview Baptist? That I was a team player, I struggled through adversity, never stopped working, and did everything possible for the team.
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Brody Heard Holy Savior Menard Alexandria, La Offensive Line ht: 6’3” wt: 285 gpa: 4.0 act: 30 class of 2021
Brody Heard is a 6’3”, 285 pound 1st team all district offensive lineman for Holy Savior Menard High School out of Alexandria, Louisiana. Utilizing his size and frame, Heard willingly performs the dirty work for his offensive comrades, bullying defenders off the line of scrimmage and opening huge holes for not only the run game but the passing game as well. Whilst riding the bench for his freshman year, Heard perfected his craft and watched as captains before him lead him and his team to the end of the season. A year later the torch and the responsibilities of a team leader have been bestowed upon him. As a vocal and physical leader on the offensive side, Heard recently helped push his team into the quarter finals of the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Riding that momentum into the offseason, Heard hopes to return back to the postseason. Heard has also established himself off the field racking up a 4.0 GPA as well as making a 30 on his ACT. When did you first start playing football? I first started playing pee wee football at around 3rd grade. Then in middle school I played at Brame and I mainly played Guard. Moving forward into high school at Holy Savior Menard, I started to shift around the line playing guard as well as tackle. Were you placed into the offensive line or is that what you naturally wanted to play due to your body type or was it a coach’s decision? I would say a little bit of both. I’ve always had the body type for an offensive lineman but I’ve always known ever since I stepped on the field that’s where I’ve wanted to play. Where would you say you are most comfortable on the offensive line and why? I would say I’m most comfortable mainly on the right side of the line. I play interchangeably between guard and tackle at about a 50/50 split so I’d say I’m pretty comfortable at either position. As to why I am most comfortable on that side, I would accredit that simply to the game plan. My coaches feel that is where I will be most efficient. What would you say your biggest strength is on the football field. Pass blocking, run blocking, explosiveness off the line? Definitely the mental game. Being able to know my keys, communicating with teammates with what I see pre-snap, and understanding the scheme that the coaches have prepared for us. What is your biggest weakness? I guess my experience. Not being able to play my freshman year definitely played a factor in my ability to excel my sophomore year. Why did you not play your freshman year? There were 4 senior offensive lineman in front of me on the depth chart and I was just a little freshman. I just wasn’t ready at the time. What was your biggest takeaway from sitting on the bench your freshman year? Being able to watch those guys play. Understanding what it’s like to be a senior on the team. Seeing those band of brothers lead the team definitely impacted my game. It also helped build my leadership abilities and gave me an idea of how I am going to lead this team in the future. You seem to be able to physically bully people off the line. What would you accredit this ability to be such a physical presence? Hard work. Since the end of last season I have been working on my craft and physique. I knew that after my sophomore year I was going to have to step up and become a leader on this team. From then on I developed this mindset that I am going to enhance my game and take on this leadership role not only through my vocality but through my physicality.
by:By: Zachary Weinstein dan Martin
Who has been the most influential person in your life in regards to football? Without a doubt my dad. He got me into playing. I used to play baseball as a child but he encouraged me to enter the world of football and I couldn’t be more grateful. He used to play in college so he’s quite knowledgeable of the game. He took that knowledge and has used it to teach me everything I know about the game of football. After every single game he’d breakdown what I did right, what I did wrong, what I need to work on. What was the most impactful moment of your playing career? I have a heartbreaking moment that was most impactful for me. It was during our homecoming game this past season against Red River. My teammate William Thomson was having a fantastic game running over 200 yards and scoring four touchdowns. We were tied 32-32 with about 20 seconds left in the game. The play called was a screen pass for Will. I ran my guy out but there was a safety blitz on the other side of the line. So as my quarterback is throwing the ball he gets blindsided which obviously impacted the throw. The ball skimmed right over Will’s fingertips as he was trying to go up and get it and the ball ended up landing right into the DB’s hands who took it dead sprint all the way for a touchdown to end the game. Ever since that moment I knew I was never going to let a game get that close. That game was one of my biggest what if games. What if i would’ve pumped up my teammates a bit more or what If I would have blocked this guy on this play. Those what ifs fueled my fire to never ever give up on any play and to exert all of my effort into every play, never taking a down off moving forward.
lgf all-state 7v7 tournament This summer Louisiana Gridiron Football will host their first 7v7 All-State Tournament. Winner of the June 5th Tournament will be crowned South Louisiana Champions and will receive a free entry into the June 19th tournament. The winner of the June 12th Tournament will be crowned North Louisiana Champions and will receive free entry into the June 19th Tournament. The June 19th Tournament is a 2 day tournament with June 20th being the champonship rounds. The June 19th Tournament will be held in Eunice, La at St Edmunds High School along with other participating schools in the local area. Visit https://www.louisianatravel.com/cities/eunice to get hotel and dinner locations if staying overnght.
Games will be filmed and shown on the Louisiana Gridiron Football YouTube Channel. June 5th Woodlawn-BR 15 South Louisiana Teams
Champion wins free admission to the June 19th Tournament
June 12th tbd 15 North Louisiana Teams
Champion wins free admission to the June 19th Tournament
June 19th St edmund H/S 62 Teams $250 Entry Fee Per Tournament Guaranteed 4 Games Per Tournament Call Coach Andy for more information at (985)789-9351
People often overlook the kicker on a football team until they are needed. However, kickers are required to do their job with near perfection day in and day out. Joseph Manero is a kicker from Strake Jesuit in Houston, Texas who fits the bill of an elite kicker. In a position full of pressure, Manero takes it all in stride and continues to do more than what is asked of him. He has an extremely powerful leg, which sends the ball out of the back of the end zone on nearly every kickoff. His power is almost as amazing as his accuracy, nailing all but three extra points asked of him, and never missing a field goal. While he has a powerful leg, he can also place balls wherever he is needed. Which is shown through his perfect placement of onside kicks and pooch kicks, which give opposing teams an extra problem to worry about.
DiamonD in The Rough
What made you decide you wanted to start playing football and when did you start playing? I’ve been around it my whole life. Everyone in my family has always been a big fan. I spent a lot of time watching UT games on Saturdays. I didn’t get too serious about it until I started high school. But I’ve always loved the game.
joseph manero Strake Jesuit Preparatory kicker houston, tx ht: 5’6” wt: 136 class of 2021
How do you think football has helped you grow as a person? You’ve got to put a lot of trust in your teammate in football. That’s really shown me that you have to trust the people around you. It has made me realize that I have to focus on what I need to get done, I have to pull my weight and trust that everyone else will too. You play one of those positions that is often overlooked until you do something wrong. That has to add a little bit of pressure. How do you deal with the pressure that comes with being a kicker? It’s a lot of practice when it gets down to it. Obviously, I am not even close to being the biggest guy on the field, but I always like to think I could outwork anyone out there. If you kick 1000 balls a day, you have confidence that you will drill it when the time comes. After all, you’ve hit it a thousand times before. I have a job to do, I do my job. It doesn’t matter if I get a lot of attention when I do it. I know I am doing everything I can to help the team win, and that’s what’s important to me. Who, in either the NFL or college, would you say you model your game after? Definitely Justin Tucker. The former UT kicker who is now with the Ravens. The greatest kicker of all time if you ask me. He is so well known because he is so consistent. I think the most important thing to look at with him is, he misses a kick every now and then, but the way he reacts after a miss is what makes him great. He doesn’t beat himself up about it. He takes a step back and figures out what he did, and what he can do to never make that mistake again.
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What sets you apart from some of the other kickers out there? I play rugby too. I think that makes me one of the hardest hitting kickers you’ll ever see. I have never been scored on after a kickoff. I like to think I am an extremely hard worker. I think that is one other thing that really sets me apart. No one will outwork me.
BECOME RECRUITED By: dan Will Martin Harper By:
Who do you think has been the biggest influence on your life? My grandfather. He immigrated here from Cuba. The mentality he gave me of having a good work ethic and to keep your head down and work hard to always be improving yourself.
do you think your coaches and teammates would describe you as a playWe highlight the How best junior and senior er? I think they would say I am a hard worker, but also someone with a sense of humor who doesn’t always take himself super serious. But someone who knows athletes Louisiana has toto getoffer. articles it is time serious andD.I.T.R. will take care of business when the time comes. Being a multi-sport athlete can make it tough to take care of school too. How showcase the talent and ability of these do you find a balance in your life between academics and athletics? I hate to hit the cliché, but we really are student athletes. The student part comes first. School is always a priority. Obviously, trying to balance these two things players. is extremely difficult, but it teaches you time management, which is something that you will be able to use well after you get out of high school. It is about being focused. You cannot get distracted by everything around you. You just have to get your job done.
Connor O’Hara is a class of 2021 quarterback out of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, TX. O’Hara stands at 6’1”, 175lbs, with a 40 yard dash of 4.9. O’Hara is great under center and thrives in play-action. Outside of play action, Connor has great delivery after the three step drop and shows excellent accuracy on the run as well. Out the gun, O’Hara shows the same quick release as well as being an underrated runner when forced outside the pocket. A well-rounded shot caller who shows great promise this season, O’Hara’s hard work is not limited to the practice field, but the classroom as well, boasting a 3.85 GPA and an SAT of 1140. Connor was kind enough to take time out of his day to spend time talking about his football career and what is in store for the future. How did you get into the sport of football and around what age were you when you first began playing? I’m not sure exactly what age I was because football has been a part of my life since I can remember. So needless to say I was very young when I first put on a helmet and pads. I have always had a deep love and passion for the sport, and it’s something that is an integral part of who I am.
Connor O’Hara Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Quarterback Houston, Tx Ht: 6’1” wt: 175 gpa: 3.85 sat: 1140 class of 2021
By: dan Martin
Being that you began playing so young, what are some takeaways or lessons that the sport instilled in you from the very beginning of your playing days? The first thing that became apparent was the sheer amount of hard work that goes into the sport. Even at the pee-wee level and grade school levels the amount of training that goes in is at a really high level. That sort of work ethic is something that carries over well into your high school career, and also in facets of your life outside of football. Another thing I really appreciate is the respect you garner for your teammates. Forming bonds with those guys can last a lifetime, and it’s just something that you never forget. Speaking of that sort of hard work at a young age, how did you approach that adversity so early on in your career? I know it’s said all the time and may sound cliche, but the motto of “if you get knocked down, get back up” really does apply. You have no choice. In football you’ll face countless instances of adversity, but it’s how you respond and overcome that which molds you into the player you ultimately want to become. When looking at yourself and evaluating yourself as a quarterback, what are some words or ways to describe your style of play? I consider myself an athletic, pro-style quarterback. I love dropping back in the pocket from center on passing plays and can really sell the play action fake. You could also say I show the qualities of a dual-threat QB as well. I have very little problems running outside of the pocket and lowering my shoulder when needed to pick up much needed yardage. Now considering your style of play, what are some calls or schemes in which you think you strive in or that you consider to be your favorite? Really anything with four or five routes installed into the play. To me, one of the funnest parts of playing the quarterback position is having all those receivers out there and going through each one of your progressions. Recognizing and capitalizing on the correct reads is one of the most satisfying feelings you can have as a quarterback. With the off-season upon you, what are some steps you are taking to improve upon your game? One part of it is making sure you’re attending as many camps as possible during the off-season. Taking notes and studying, whether that’s at camps, practice, or even in my own free time are vital in ensuring that I’m taking the right steps in improving my football IQ. I’ve also found that reading books on the sport have helped me in my development as well. You mention studying and taking notes, are there any current or former quarterbacks that you enjoy studying and incorporating their skill sets into your play style? Growing up a Peyton Manning fan I always admired and studied his play style as an extremely prolific passer. Nowadays, I look to guys like Lamar Jackson and focus on his explosiveness. In today’s NFL you can see how being effective in both the pass and run has changed the landscape of the game. Now that you are playing at the college prep level, can you walk me some of the differences you have experienced from standard high school football in Texas? The level of competition is a drastic change. Prep schools are so much larger so you have a much bigger pool of talent to choose from. There are athletes everywhere and each position is loaded with talent. Playing at this level has definitely increased my skills and knowledge of the game because the level of competition is so high you have to be at your absolute best, day-in and day-out.
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Gabe Simmons is a class of 2022 Quarterback from Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, TX. Simmons stands at 6’0 180 lbs. And has a current GPA of 3.6. When viewing his film, the first thing to stand out is Simmons’s quick release and timing. Gabe’s decision making is ahead of most at the high school level of play. Along with proficiency in the short to intermediate passing game, Gabe is deadly deep, with the arm power to hit his receivers for huge gains. With great awareness, Gabe can quickly determine when the pocket begins to break down and has little problems scrambling to pick up extra yardage with his feet, along with being a threat on the read option.
DiamonD in Gabe Simmons The Rough
Around what age did you first begin playing? What did you first love about the game of football? I’ve essentially been playing since I could walk. Since I can remember I’ve had a football in my hands. When I first began playing, I immediately fell in love with the competitive nature of the sport. What did the sport teach you at such a young age? Are there any lessons that you learned later in your playing career? First, I learned the importance of being tough, not just on the football field but in many parts of life. I didn’t realize until about 7th grade the true physicality of the sport and how much pride I took in being a physical athlete.
Cinco Ranch High Quarterback Katy, Tx ht: 6’ wt: 180 gpa: 3.6 Class of 2022
After 7th grade and moving forward in your career, you undoubtedly began to find your identity as a quarterback. Can you explain to me your play style and what sort of archetype you fit? I’m definitely well-balanced. Whether it’s throwing or running the football, I’m equally comfortable and can excel at both. One thing or sure is that I’m extremely comfortable and effective as a pure pocket passer as well. Speaking of the quarterback position, is there a certain guy in the league that you look up to the most? Past or present? I really look up to Drew Brees, especially due to the height factor. As a 6’0 QB you always hear stuff about how your height is an issue, but then you see guys like Brees and height is never a factor. Not only is he one of the best in the league, he’s one of the best to ever play the position. And as a QB, is there a particular play that you would consider your favorite? I love it when our offense is within striking distance of the goal line and coach calls a read option. At that point its will against will and who wants it more. I strive to put myself in those positions to show my grit and toughness as not only a quarterback, but as an overall athlete.
OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATE
Have you and the team set any goals for the upcoming season? Any personal goals? As a team we want to win district, but we realize that we have to control what we can control. That means focusing on the now and not looking ahead. For me, I just want to go out and compete as the starter. I have a great opportunity to show my skill sets and development with great confidence that I can do so. I want to be the best QB in district and lead the team to new heights.
BECOME RECRUITED By: dan Martin
What are some of the steps that you have been taking to ensure you meet this goal? Really focusing on my speed and strength as much as possible. I’m in the gym constantly, always trying to get stronger. It’s not just about me trying to out lift the other quarterbacks or skill position players, but even trying to get on the offensive linemen’s levels as well.
We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcase the talent and ability of these players.
Who or what has been your biggest motivator throughout your playing career? My parents for sure. They do so much for me and I just want to strive to make them proud of me everyday. My goal is to always prove to them, and myself, that my hard work and dedication truly pays off. Finally, do you have any words of advice for up and coming players who are looking to compete at the high school level? You really just have to continue to work hard and never take days off. Nothing in football will ever come easy or just be handed to you. Also, its vital that you block out any noise or negativity and just try and focus on doing what’s best for you and your teammates. These lessons have taught me how to be a respectful and respected athlete, along with allowing me the comfort to overcome any adversity that presents itself.
Robert Smith is a class of 2021 wide receiver from out of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, TX. Smith stands at 6’0 185 lbs with a bench of 225, a squat of 400, and a deadlift of 420. With a 40 yard dash of 4.7, Smith is also utilized as a defensive back as well. In one-on-one coverage, Smith is nearly unbeatable on 50/50 balls, possessing excellent hands and ability to reach over defenders. His incredible strength makes Smith excellent at producing yards after the catch, coupled with the quickness to easily make defenders miss in open space.His football IQ is far above the average high school athlete, constantly learning from his father, Rick Smith, who was the Executive Vice President of Football Operations of the Houston Texans and defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos. Smith’s Iq is also evident in the classroom, boasting a 3.5 GPA, 29 ACT score, and a SAT of 1250. All-in-all, Robert is a bonafide WR1 and is an overall offensive nightmare for opposing defenses. I reached out to Rob for an interview and he kindly took time out of his busy day to speak with me about his life and football. Can you tell me a bit about your upbringing in football and what got you started in the sport? Well my dad (Rick Smith) played safety at Purdue, then went on to coach DBs for the Denver Broncos prior to becoming the VP of Football Operations for the Texans. So, needless to say, football has been an integral part of my life since birth. I was fully enveloped in the sport for as long as I can remember and I expect it to remain that way throughout my life.
Robert Smith
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Wide Receiver Houston, Tx Ht: 6’ Wt: 185 GPa: 3.5 act: 29 Class of 2021
By: dan Martin
What were some of your initial reactions, takeaways, and views on football when you first began playing? I didn’t start playing tackle football until 4th grade and to be honest, I initially did not like the physical aspect of the sport at such a young age. However, I found a great mentor when I came here (Texas) who really opened my eyes to the sport and I began to embrace that physicality. I then started to really enjoy being in leadership roles, which helped tremendously in my progression and confidence. Your situation seems unique as opposed to most high school players. Having a parent be involved at the highest level of the sport must have had a significant impact on you as an athlete and person. Can you talk a little about that and what that experience was like growing up? My dad played a huge role in my life. Having first-hand experience into his job was eye opening at such a young age. Everything from eating with the team, attending practices, and learning from the players and coaches helped my development in a substantial way. It wasn’t just the practice and game time operations I learned, either. As a kid I would spend time with the trainers just helping fold towels and doing the day-to-day activities in the training room. What that did for me was help me appreciate all the things that go into running a team and organization. Most don’t get a chance to see all the little things that are vital to a team’s organization and how every part has to work together to become one, cohesive unit. Having that first hand experience and insight into an NFL organization, are there ways you can bring that knowledge to your teammates and if so, what do you share with them? It’s a great thing to be able to bring that NFL mentality to the high school level. My teammates feed off of that and it helps in a massive way. The team works well with the players and coaches to share knowledge which I believe gives us a competitive edge, but also helps keep us grounded, because at the end of the day we’re all the same. We’re all just human beings who can relate to each other no matter the level of football we play. Are there players, former or current, that you have grown close to inside that organization. If so, what have they meant to you growing up around the sport? I’m really close to Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. I’m always texting or talking with him (Hopkins) to get advice on my game, whether that be watching my film or working out. He’s been such a great friend to me and never hesitates to take time out of his day to evaluate me or give me tips in improving my game. Jonathan Joseph is also a very close family friend of ours who always makes me feel so welcomed. When prepping for a big game, are there any specific rituals you have, such as listening to certain music or having any sort of ritual? I had some Maryland gear sent to me such as a pair of shorts that I like to wear in the locker room before big games. I try and always keep the same outfit and accessories as well. This may sound a bit strange, but I enjoy listening to meditation music, along with Jazz, before game time. It’s a great way for me to relax and put my mind at ease. Another ritual I have is that I always put Icy Hot on my hamstrings before I play, I can’t go into the game without my Icy Hot.
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Tre Odom is strong safety out of Lufkin High School. Standing at 6’1” tall and weighing 185 pounds Odom has prototypical safety size with a frame that can put on more weight. In the weight room he has strong numbers as well, squatting 435 pounds, benching 245 pounds, and power cleaning 245 pounds. Odom shows natural football instinct and combined with his impressive athleticism; he is involved with nearly every play. Odom shows versatility with his tackling being able to bring people down from many different angles, and able to hit someone high as well as go low and take out players legs. When did you start playing football? I started football when I was about four or five. My parents forced me into it, my dad played and wanted me to love the game like he did, thankfully I fell in love with it quickly.
tre odom lufkin high strong safety lufkin, tx ht: 6’1” wt: 185 class of 2020
When did you fall in love with football? It was my first game, my dad said I would not score a touchdown, I said I would, and he bet me $100 if I scored. When I scored my first touchdown, the feeling I got was amazing, plus I was going to get $100. Do you think starting football so young has helped you? For sure. I think I have a higher football IQ than most players and I have had more time to learn about football in a situational sense. My technique is also more refined, and I played few positions before settling at safety and knowing how other positions play and operate also gives me an advantage. What is your favorite thing about football? I am a competitor; I love to win, and I do everything I can to win. Football allows me to show of my competitiveness. The nature of football, I feel allows me to shine more so than other sports. What qualities or values make you the player you are? I do not know if this has come from playing for so long, or if it is natural, but I have a knack or for finding the ball, I see myself as a ball hawk. I am also aggressive and a playmaker. What has football taught you off the field? Discipline, I am determined and do the things I need to be successful in all aspects of my life. Without football I do not think I would be successful in life as I am. I owe a lot in my life to football, directly or indirectly. Has football helped you overcome anything in your personal life? Yes, when my grandmother died, my teammates where like my brothers and supported me. They would come to the hospital with me. We had a game the next day and I do not think I have seen my teammates play harder, and we won the game.
By Martin By:Peter dan Martin
Who is your biggest role model? My parents. They have always supported, especially with football, making sure I always got to practice on time as kid, and getting me what I needed to succeed. I would not be the player or the person I am without the 90-okm. What is the hardest part of playing strong safety? I am one of the leaders on defense so not only do I have to know my assignment, but I have to know all of my teammate’s assignment. I must make sure our alignments and positioning is correct.
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What is the easiest part of playing strong safety? Like I said, I am a ball hawk, so my vision and ability to find the ball is something that has always come easy to me. Flowing to the ball is fun to me, I want to be involved with every play, I guess that is where it comes from. What is your favorite memory from football? It was the playoffs last year, I do not remember if it was the third or fourth round, but we played Longview. We played at Stephen F. Austin, the atmosphere of the game was amazing, even though we lost, seeing all the people tailgating and the crowd throughout the game is something that I will never forget.
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