2 years of Varsity, 1 year of JV

University of Michigan, Northern Michigan, CMU, Ferris, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Oakland, SVSU, Grand Valley, Hillsdale College, Wayne State, Concordia University, Siena Heights, Spring Arbor University

At this year's football banquet, Coach Shrader described me as an old school football player. He loves to tell the story of the first time he talked to me about moving me up to varsity my sophomore year. I had only moved to Fowlerville a few months earlier to live with my dad, so I really didn't know anyone other than a few guys in my sophomore class. But my dad made sure I made it to all the summer passing scrimmages and workouts. At the first passing scrimmage, coach had me play wide receiver and MLB.  After the scrimmage, I was alone with coach waiting for my ride. He told me that he'd like me to move up and play linebacker and receiver my sophomore year.  I told him the truth was that I want to play as much as possible, but if I play offense, I'd rather play O-line. He said it was the first time in his coaching career that a player told him he'd rather play line than get the glory scoring touchdowns.  , The truth is, that is me as a player.  I just love the physical aspect of the game. I may not run a 4.4 40 yard dash on the track, but I have a knack for finding the football, reading plays, and when I make a mistake, I fall back on something my dad taught me before I ever stepped on a football field. When in doubt, hit the closest guy to you. Football feels natural to me.  I'm most comfortable when I'm on the field and I just follow my instincts. , I am not a flashy player, and I'm probably one of the quietest guys on the field.  But I really do my best to lead by example.  I have no problem putting the team on my back to make one final goal line stop to win a game. It's just that I'm not going to tell everyone about it or brag about it after a play. I just get ready for the next time I get to hit someone. , I never think about my stats.  I leave that up to others. My focus on the field is to prepare for the next play and do my job so that I can contribute to my team's success.

I think of the game in it's simplest form.  It's blocking, tackling, and toughness.  When it comes to how I play, I pride myself in playing with passion. I feel blessed to have the ability to play at a high level, and consider it a privilege to play the game I love.  I love Friday nights, but there have been many times I've enjoyed a week of practice as much or more than the game that Friday night.  I respect my coaches and try to improve every time I have the opportunity.   At the end of the day, it's all about being in position to make a play for my team, and be the hardest hitter on the field. , I think fast, I play through pain, and I concentrate every play on doing my assignment.

I've been playing football since I was 8 years old.  In high school, I've been fortunate to play for 2 years as a starter at the MLB position.  It is my plan my senior year to continue to develop the base skills required to play at the next level because my dream is to play college football with the same level of success I've had my entire life playing the game. , My goals for my senior year are to help my team return to the playoffs, expand my role as a leader, earn a spot as a team captain, and get bigger, faster, and stronger physically.

I believe I have the ability to play football at the next level, and the potential to be a starter anywhere I go. I love the game. I think fast and hit hard. I respect the guys that have done it already and want to learn as much as I can from them so I can maximize my potential on the field.  I love the physical aspect of the game, and I think that my lack of fear on the field and my instinct to be in position to make plays propels me to make plays that most of my peers won't even attempt.