Our newest D.I.T.R. features class of 2025 athlete Aaron Dillard. Aaron is the son of former NFL safety Mark Dillard, who played for the New England Patriots. Aaron is currently a 5’11” 175lb sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School is Shreveport, LA. On the field, Dillard lines up at running back on the offensive side of the ball and is a hybrid Safety/Linebacker when on defense. Dillard has good instincts on the defensive side of the ball. He is a physical tackler that also has speed to make sideline to sideline plays. Dillard’s tangible abilities paired with his instincts on the defensive side of the ball make him a player for all coaches to have on their radar the next two seasons.
I was fortunate enough to speak with Aaron and learn more about his life on and off the field.
When did you start playing football and why did you start playing?
“I started playing when i was 8 because my Dad played in the NFL and I want to follow in his footsteps.”
What aspect of the game made you fall in love with the sport?
“I fell in love with the physicality. Its great to be able to hit somebody and not get in any trouble for it.”
Do you play any other sports?
“I run track also where I run the 100, 200, 4×1 and 4×2.”
Who do you look up to as a role model?
“I look up to my Dad because he taught me to be who I am. He pushes me everyday in order to one day be better than he was.”
Is there a college or professional player that you try to model yourself after?
“I want to model myself after LeBron James. Once he got big he saved his community by building schools and stuff like that. I want to be able to help my community one day.”
What have you learned about yourself from playing football?
“I learned how to have perseverance. If we are down in a game I’m able to keep my head up for our team.”
What sets you apart from the other players at your position?
“I set myself apart by going at it when this get tough. I’m able to work through any kind of setback.”
What school subject is the most appealing to you and why?
“Physical Science is my favorite class, it’s comes easy to me and I also find it interesting.”
What goals have you set for yourself this upcoming season?
“I want to make the playoffs, get more than one pick and make over 50 tackles.”
What is something you are working on improving in practice?
“I’ve really been working on my footwork and moving my hips. I train with the agility ladder and have also been going to training at 5 a.m. before school while everyone else is sleeping.””
What kind of qualities do you believe a leader should have?
“A good leader should be able to push his teammates to work hard while keeping their heads up.”
What have you learned about teamwork from your past experiences on your teams?
“I learned that one person can’t do everything, you gotta work as a team to get the job done.”
What is your favorite moment from your career so far?
“My favorite moment was winning the championship in eighth grade.”
What do you see yourself accomplishing after high school?
“I want to play in college so I can work even harder to go to the next level.”
What are some hobbies you like to do in your free time?
“I like to lift weights, go outside and play the game some too.”
