VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?

When I arrive at Friends University, I want to unlock another level in myself and take this freshman year as far as it will go in football. I have high expectations not only for myself but for the team. I want to compete in the conference (KCAC), and my personal goal is to become an All-League, potentially All-American Player.

VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?

I went on my first major trip in my life to Miami, FL. I got to attend Rolling Loud and see some of my favorite artists perform live. But also enjoyed the beach and see life outside of Wichita. It was a blast and taught me a lot.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?

This one is easily Coach Johnson from Zoology Junior Year. He was also my offensive line coach and one of the first guys to truly believe in me. He is basically a mentor to me and someone I aspire to be like in life. I’ll always appreciate Coach Johnson and everything he’s ever taught me.

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

This entire season was special to me. From January 2022, I knew I was a leader on this team and in charge of making sure my guys were good for the next generation. So I feel like I had equity in everything that went down for us this year. It was an amazing season full of trial and error, and I feel like I left it all out there. No regrets about it, and for that reason, that’s my favorite athletic memory.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Honestly, it would have to be LJ Phillips. This guy is a stud, and there is a reason he went to Division 1. I’ve never seen someone with so much heart when they compete. He blows me away every time I watch him. There is no one I’d rather have with the ball in their hands than him. And to see how he’s grown up and the work ethic he displayed. He’s inspiring, and I have nothing but good things to say about him. That’s my guy, for sure.

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

The coaches are the best. Coach Martin is so committed to what he’s built at Northwest; he has made me into the man I am today. And all of my position coaches have left an impact on me in some way. And Coach Marinelli, the defensive coordinator, is one of the most passionate winners I’ve ever met. It was an honor to play for these guys, and anyone who has the chance to is lucky.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?

Paris, France. I would love to explore outside the US, and I’ve always admired France for some reason. I’m naturally drawn to it. And I’m easily choosing my nana. She has always talked to me about traveling since I was a little boy. She has a photograph of the Eiffel Tower that you see the second you walk into the door at her house, and I know she’d love to come with me.

VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?

I’d buy all of the major women in my life a nice bouquet of flowers. Just to show everyone how much I love them. I’d get my dad some Jordans or maybe an autographed Derrick Thomas Jersey. And then spend the rest on a nice dinner for me and my friend. I’d try to distribute the money around because I don’t need anything worth that much.

VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?

I do a lot of Community service, but I wouldn’t say I have a major project that I do. I like to go around and do things for elementary kids. Like volunteering at school events, helping manage Zoo special events, and time keep for sporting events. I do any project that comes my way, and it is always a blast to help kids or animals!

VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

I am a member of the Madrigal Singers at Northwest High School. That comes from my passion involving music and singing. I have always loved it since I was an elementary student, being a member of the honor choir at 10. I came into high school and worked my way up to what I am today in the choir, and I will continue to pursue my passion for music in college.

VYPE: Are you involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?

I am a member of the AVID group at Northwest High School. This class is focused on students who want to be college ready. They mainly teach you how to take notes, stay organized, write essays, emails, and everything you could need to know about College. It has been a very useful tool for me and essential to what I have done in school so far.