STARS: How I became a better football player

I've renewed my love in high school football through the SC High School sporting group on Facebook.  I watched schools, communities and players really get invested and excited as their beloved teams, children and players elevated. I remember when I had to elevate myself also. 

I was not ready to play, physically or mentally and was about to be demoted to the JV team. I was not letting that happen and was going to start my senior year. 

I simply got it in my head that I would not lose. I plugged in to positive sources such as my own coaches, teammates and even other star athletes in my area. I lived in the weight room, track and bleachers to condition my body. I would watch countless hours of football daily, every level, to increase my football IQ. My former coach, Steve Wilson said "practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice does."  I even watched inspirational football movies such as Rudy and was later compared to him. 

I gave it my all in spring and summer drills. I knew due to our depth I wasn't going to play much but the competition on our team would improve me. I was on the scout team and it did! I gained the confidence of the team, coaches and myself. I earned Player of the Game for my performance in garbage time during the Homecoming game. I kept working, didn't let off in the off-season and earned my starting role on offense as a left tackle. I started all 12 games as a senior, received Player of the Week once and didn't come out on offense unless we had the game in hand. 

To those players already working to shine under those lights in 2022: keep at it! You too can achieve and be mentioned and debated over in message boards!