Andrew Attmore - Dudley High QB

Greensboro, NC

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Snuggs Photography

Senior Quarterback Andrew Attmore has left quite an impression at James B. Dudley High School. Located in Greensboro, NC, Dudley has a long tradition of birthing and building elite football, basketball, and track and field athletes, many of whom went on to play at the professional level. These include former players such as David Amerson, Charlie Sanders, Brandon Haywood, Hendon Hooker, Dell Seagraves, Emmanuel Mosely, and more. So, when Andrew made his way to the historically black high school a few years ago, great expectations were in place, and he didn’t let any getaway.

He has played for Dudley for the past two years, but during his freshman and sophomore years, he served as the Varsity backup QB for the Whirlies of Grimsley High School, also located in Greensboro. Academically, Andrew attends North Carolina A&T State University’s Middle College, but athletically, he plays for the Dudley Panthers. “Dudley is a place where you are loved, and everyone has your back and wants you to succeed at all times,” Andrew says.

In regards to football, Andrew says the most valuable thing he has learned is the unlimited opportunities to learn. “I love the competitive aspect of football, and I love to win. There is never enough work not to get done. If you stop, someone will get ahead of you. You must put in the work to be better.” Andrew’s work has paid off.

He acknowledges his Offensive Coordinator at Dudley, Antonio Hall, for really helping him to be prepared and excel at the quarterback position. “Coach Hall is also a teacher at A&T Middle College. While at Grimsley, he was also one of my teachers, and we always talked about football. During my sophomore year at Grimsley, Coach Hall asked me to come and play football at Dudley. He talked to my parents and helped me to stay on the right path. I wouldn’t be at the level that I am without the influence and instruction of Coach Hall,” he says.

At Dudley, Andrew owns all of the records for the quarterback position. This includes the passing records at Dudley, as well as for Guilford County. He also owns the single-game touchdown record for the state of North Carolina, where he had eight touchdowns. Amazingly, Andrew was able to accomplish this all within one year.

During his young athletic career, Andrew has faced some adversities. He has suffered some injuries, has had surgery, and missed a few games. Those kinds of challenges can be discouraging and deflating. Fortunately for Andrew, he’s had some solid individuals in his corner that have helped him to remain focused and determined. One such challenge he describes happened on the football field during a game. “I played a terrible first half, yet my teammates never gave up on me. They pumped me up, and I came out in the second half with three touchdowns,” he says.

Some of his additional accolades are Two Times All-Conference, First Team All-Area, All-Area Player of The Year, and First Team All-State. As Andrew’s graduation season approaches, he has already positioned himself to play at the next level. In the fall, he will be a true freshman at Lenior-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC, and compete for the starting quarterback position. At 6’2” and weighing 205 lbs, there is no doubt that he will win it. “I chose to play at Lenior Rhyne after establishing a great relationship with the coaching staff there. There was a coaching staff change, and I was kept up to date during the process. That was important to me. They have a successful program, and it felt like home,” he shares.

The message that Andrew leaves for his family at Dudley High School is full of thankfulness and gratitude. “There was a lot of heart, blood, and tears shed on the football field. I thank Dudley for taking me and treating me like family.” His advice to other athletes who may follow a similar path is to never give up on yourself and not allow others to bring you down. Stay focused and practice your craft.