Personal Statement

My name is Rion (pronounced Ryan). I’m 17 years old and live in Gray Court, SC. I attend Lowcountry Connections Academy online charter school with a 4.00 GPA, 2021, 2022 and 2023 High School Football America Academic All-American Team. I play Varsity football at Clinton High School, Clinton, SC. I have recently been named a 4-star rated long snapper from Chris Rubio Long Snapping, 4-star rated offensive lineman by Dream Scouting Network and The National Radar, and 3.5 star rated offensive lineman by One11 Recruiting. I was the starting varsity center and long snapper this past three seasons amassing 80+ knockdown blocks while giving up zero sacks and a 94% average grade per season. I was named 2022 All-Region Honorable Mention OL, 2023 All-Region OL, 2022 and 2023 All-county OL, 2023 All-Lakelands 1st Team OL and 2023 All-Lakelands 2nd Team LS. I am also 2023 Region 4-AAA 220lb Wrestling Champion, 2023 Region II 220lb Strength Champion and 2024 Region II 235lb Strength Champion and 2024 All-State Strength Team. On January 15th, 2024, I played center and long snapper in the Dream All American Rising Stars game at AT&T Stadium, Dallas TX, this was my third time selected for this event. In my young life, I have already experienced both winning and losing, not just in football but in life itself. When I was three years old my dad deployed to Afghanistan, and I did not understand why he was leaving. Although, while he was gone my papa stepped in as a father figure and we became super close. My dad returned home from his deployment in July 2011, and everything was great. Then, in November, my papa (who drove a truck) passed away from a heart attack while driving. He had left for work early so he could be home later in the day for my football game. At four years old all I knew was papa was not coming and I thought it was my fault. My parents assured me that it was not my fault, but I still did not want to play football anymore. My family asked me, “What do you think your papa would want you to do?” and my answer was to play ball. So, I did and anytime I feel I’m not good enough or fast enough I just remember I’m playing in my papa’s honor. Along with my life’s lessons I have had to overcome some physical limitations, as I was legally blind until I was eight years old. I had to have eye surgery (four to be exact) I had been walking around, playing football and baseball, and doing my schoolwork basically blind. After, the surgeries my vision was corrected to 20/50. However, I was no longer able to play baseball, that is when I knew football was going to be my sport. So, I started working harder to improve anyway I could. I started dance classes to help with balance and footwork, started attending as many football camps as possible and learning all I could. Learning to overcome obstacles, manage the joys of victory and perseverance through the pain of loss and defeat, has helped me grow into the student-athlete I am today. On top of football, I am also a competitive dancer in clogging (2020 & 2022 Mr. America's Clogging Hall of Fame and UCA World Champion), and I was on the varsity wrestling team in 2023. Dance has really helped me improve my footwork, speed, balance, and grace on the football field. As I prepare for my senior year, I have had great success in my academics. My plan is to finish strong with high academic standards throughout high school and college to ensure I receive an education I can use after athletics.