Zeke Carwile is a 5’9″ 180 lb Middle Linebacker for Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, AL. Zeke is a quick Linebacker with very good tackling and pursuit skills. Watching Zeke’s tape, he is also a great player to have with the ability to force turnovers for his team. Last year as a junior, Zeke compiled 159 total tackles, with 5 being tackles for losses. He also had one pass deflection and one fumble recovery. Zeke is determined to go work even harder at his craft for next year and get his team to a State Championship Game. Zeke is very accomplished. In 2022, he was Defensive MVP, All-Huntsville Region Team, 4A Region 8 Defensive Player of the Year, and Craig Aiken Award for Excellence recipient.
Can you tell us your name and position on the football team?
Zeke Carwile, Middle Linebacker
What made you decide to play football in high school?
I always loved football growing up. Hanging out with teammates who become my brothers is important. And coaches who shape you to be the best player you can be is important as well.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced on the field?
I would say that my size and not being the bigger guy is always a challenging aspect of playing football, especially at my position.
How do you motivate yourself when things get tough during a game?
Our football team has a mental coach who speaks with us. He tells us to stand by yourself and use a symbol to remember who you are, why you are here, and how much work I’ve put in for this specific moment.
What do you think sets you apart from other players on your team?
My mindset and IQ on the field. I like watching film and being the most prepared player for the opposing team.
Can you talk about a moment in your football career that you’re particularly proud of?
This year was the first time Westminster made the playoffs for a couple of years. Even though we lost that game, the possibilities and goals that I will set for myself for next year will be even bigger than last year’s.
How do you handle the pressure of being an important player on the team?
Personally, pressure is a privilege in my eyes. I hold myself to a higher standard and understand what I can be. This mindset helps me ignore the pressure and set it aside.
How do you balance football and your academic studies?
I’ve always been taught since a young age that I am a student-athlete, which means the student comes first. Whenever I am done doing what I need to do in school, then comes the athletics part.
What have you learned about teamwork through playing football?
If one man does not do their job, especially on the defensive side of the ball, this defensive wall can be broken.
Can you describe your pre-game ritual or superstitions?
One thing I do before every game is to walk the field from endzone to endzone, and every 10 yards I would say a quick prayer for 100 yards. I will then stop and say a longer prayer at the goalpost. I will then walk back the 100 yards, this time going over plays in my head and visualizing what I would do during a game. I am all for giving God the glory of allowing me to participate in this game, knowing that one day I will be a fan in those stands.
Who is your biggest inspiration or role model in the sport of football?
I would say my dad because the amount of joy he had playing football and being able to show Christ through that is a big inspiration in the sport of football.
How do you stay physically and mentally prepared for each game?
I mentally prepare through having a mindset by knowing that I CAN win knowing all the work that I have put in. Physically, I am able to outwork anyone on the football field.
What are your goals for the future, both on and off the field?
On the field, I want to win a State Championship FOR my team. Off the field, I want everything to be centered around Christ. I would say that God will always be first no matter what I do and football will no longer matter at a certain point. So keeping God first is about having an eternity of happiness.
What advice would you give to young aspiring football players?
I would tell them to work as hard as you can, while you can. Do not let anybody out work you.
What do you hope to achieve with your football career in the future?
I think playing collegiate football would be fun. If my football career can allow me to keep having fun for the longest time possible, then this is the perfect scenario for myself.
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