D.I.T.R: Joe Koury – Center

Joe Koury is a 6’1″ 285 pound center attending Madison Central High School in Madison, Mississippi – located 10 miles north of Jackson. Koury is a stout interior lineman, who already posesses next level strength with a 345 pound bench-press and 715 pound squat max. He is in the class of 2024, with one season left to play for Madison Central. This outstanding center is a pancake machine that refused to let any defenders past them whether it is pass or run block. On top of being one of the best offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi, Joe is also among the top in the classroom with a 3.65 GPA. I had the opportunity to speak with Joe about his football career so far, as well as plans for the future:

Q: Tell me about yourself, where you grew up and such?

I am a junior in the class of 2024. Madison, Mississippi – I have lived here my whole life. I went to Jackson Academy until I transferred my ninth grade year to Madison Central just looking for better competition and a better opportunity to get to the next level.

Q: When did you start playing football?

I played flag football from kindergarten up until second grade. I started playing tackle football in third grade.

Q: What is one of your favorite aspects about playing center?

One of our coaches actually calls me the general – oversee a lot of our offensive line and make calls to help improve our game. Just being in the center of it, it’s the nastiest part of the field you want to be in contact with. I started out playing tackle at JA, but when I came to Madison Central they moved me to center. I really have loved the position ever since then.

Q: Opposite of that, what is one of the more challenging parts about playing center, and what do you do to overcome that?

I would say the most challenging part, playing for Madison Central, we are a pretty run heavy team. Gaining ground can be difficult, not having any weight on your hands and you are playing out of a squat form. I have really improved on that since my sophomore year by working out with guys like Coach Warren Rowan and Scott Lashley. Just to help my hip explosion, to get off the ball quicker. I think that has really showed through my junior season film and will be even more prevalent in my senior year.

Q: What are some strengths you have that can make you an impact athlete at the next level?

My actual raw strength that I have- Squatting 715 pounds, benching close to 350, deadlifting around 600. Another strength I believe I have is being able to move well. I am pretty agile. I can move around playing outside zone, skip pull, reach block, etc. I think I have good game IQ and knowledge, having different techniques that I can use throughout the game and not just be a one dimensional player at center.

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

I would say a leader. I have definitely always been a leader since the start of me playing football. I am pretty much business oriented when we are in workouts or on the field, but off the field I am just a fun, happy going guy.

Q: What is something you are looking forward to in your senior season, and do you have any specific goals for yourself?

Specifically, what everyone wants is for those offers to begin to roll in. Just being to be a very tight knit group again with my teammates like we were two years ago. That was just an unbelievable experience to have with them (Madison Central won the 6A State Championship in 2021).

Q: What motivates you everyday to become a better football player?

I do not want my parents to have to pay for college!

Q: Who do you look up to in football at your position, whether it is a current or former player?

Jason Kelce is definitely one guy, he just known so well throughout the game. Another guy I would say is Jeff Saturday. People say I play with the same tenacity and build. Then I would say two of my best friends Jake Norris and Blake Gunter. They both just do stuff the right way and will play at the next level. Looking up to those guys, they have set a really good precedent for what I need to do to really leave a mark my senior year.

Q: Is there someone who has helped you along the way, and has mentored you either in life or in football?

Absolutely, guys like Coach Warren Rowan and Mike Antonescu. They train me every week. Scott Lashley over at Mississippi State has helped me out. Lawrence Hopkins is really helping out people in Mississippi, trying to get athletes names out.

Joe Koury is a next level lineman in the waiting. Koury consistently shows his strength, powering through anyone who stands in his way. He is an intelligent athlete that believes in his skills and believes he can play at any level. Joe is in the class of 2024, giving him one more season to showcase his extraordinary talents in high school.