Personal Statement

I entered my junior year as a transfer at DeMatha Catholic High School.   I received a football scholarship this year to attend DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.   When I arrived, special teams and the team was already set up and worked out.  I had to get in where I fit in, which was a second string to a DI commit that had waited his turn to start for such a competitive team.  I learned that I would do the same and my NCSA coach helped me understand that I was getting an early glimpse of my probable football life as a college freshman.  Nevertheless, I decided to enjoy the ride at DeMatha and to learn from the opportunity.  

I play offense at DeMatha because there defense was already stacked with 4 and 5 star recruits, but I love that I have taken my game beyond Defense to tackle strong offensive skills beyond just my tight end skills .  At nearly 260 I can still run down the field with a running back and block the whole way. I always did have hands and could catch and score t-d’s but also I can usually block at least two defensive players at once on the offensive line or play pulling guard.  I also still love to play on the d-line.  I will always keep my skillset strong as a defensive end and defensive tackle.

At DeMatha, I learned our practices were recorded and that at practice I would get to hit against the likes of Jason Woods, the Ohio state commit that was featured in Sports Illustrated.  I decided I would also wait my turn because of the experience I receive this year from the coaching staff at DeMatha and the knowledge I would not have had that opportunity at my old public school.  I did end up receiving Varsity playing time this year and was proud of my success with blocks and o-plays in the games.  I was most proud that my team moved up the National rankings and ended the season in the conference championship game.  We made it there and my team gave everything, leaving it all on the field. 

Last year I was a 10th grade defensive captain of junior varsity at Aberdeen and moved to varsity by the end of the year.  They told me at the beginning of the year that I was good enough to be on the varsity team as a sophomore but told me they needed me on JV.  We had a good record and made it to the playoffs a division leader with a strong 6-2 showing. In just our week three game that year versus Elkton, I had multiple sacks, many blocks, more than ten tackles and a fumble recovery.   

To end my sophomore season, I learned that I was named to USA Football's watchlist for a best defensive lineman of a selection of five from the class of 2024, best in show at IMG Academy by NextGen, and named to the Freshman 450 by Youth1.  

In my one play as a fullback for the 2021 season I scored a touchdown for my team.

In 9th grade, I believe I was selected for the Freshman 450 based on my middle school performance even though because of COVID I didn’t have a 9th grade season on the field.  Off the field all year I worked out with a private weightlifting coach and private school drill and skills coaches. I went to USA football National and regionals, as well as The Show by NextGen, but before high school, catching the championship game winning touchdown as a tight end at the divisional championships during eighth grade led to a conference championship.

Even earlier as a younger child I was fortunate enough to be part of an amazing rec program and received training as both a strong defensive end and big bodied tight end very early on, and I have the ability to both block and receive.  I am blessed and amazed at the training in these and now new positions I have received from many amazing coaches that I have had the honor of working with.

I play football for the amazing team effort, sacrifice, and dedication it takes and above all, I love the game.  I'm looking for a program that will be a good fit for me and I believe that I try as best I can to play at the top level of the game along with many talented competitors.  While I may surpass some of my peers in commitment, I believe my talent can speak for itself.

I am currently 255 lbs and 6' 4," I bench 230+ now consistently and I plan to continue gaining strength, endurance and never sacrificing my commitment to the game in high school, college, and beyond.  More than anything I believe that if you want to do something special, you have to make the sacrifice.