Diamond In The Rough: Aaron Crim

Aaron Crim is a class of 2021 free safety out of Kenner Discovery High School in Kenner, Louisiana. Crim stands at 5’8” and weighs 160. He started playing football at a young age and an important play completed by Crim triggered him to love the game even more. He also runs track and is passionate about keeping himself physically and mentally prepared for football. With a 3.9 gpa, Crim understands the importance of being focused in the classroom as well. All of this combined with him growing up with a strong, single mother has made him to be an overall solid player and person.

At what age did you begin playing football? What initially interested you about the sport?

I begin playing football at the age of 6. I kind of just loved the sport. What interested me and kept me playing the sport was when I made the game winning catch during the game to get into the championship. That really triggered the love for the game.

Are you involved in any other sports besides football? How have they helped you on the football field?

The only other sport I’ve ever been involved in is track. Running track helps with my speed. Leg days keep my legs strong for the football season.

What current player do you believe your playstyle reflects the most?

I’d say one of my best friends, Matthew, who’s also in high school. We graduate the same year and we’ve been playing football together since we were little. He influenced me a lot because he works hard to get where he’s at. He doesn’t give up and always gives his all every play. I would say he’s a bit better than me, so I look up to him as a mentor. I hope to be like him one day.

Do you have a favorite memory from your football career?

Yes, actually. Last year when we played a district game against Thomas Jefferson, we were 7-7 the entire game. When we went into overtime, we made a very nice goal line stop. That goal line stop caused us to win the game. The defense did a really good job. It just made everybody proud and that was probably one of my favorite games?

What has football taught you about yourself or your life?

Football has taught me that it’s not just about football. You have other things in life that you need to work on. My current coaches make sure we’re 100% on the field and in the classrooms. Playing football helps me maintain a good classroom etiquette while still being good on the field.

Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies?

I go to the gym a lot. I also enjoy playing video games a lot. For Honor is my favorite game. It’s like a little PvP type of game. It has a lot of cool characters you can choose from and classes like Samurai and Viking. 

For the upcoming season, what do you look forward to accomplishing?

I look forward to going to the state championships, that’s supposed to be the goal every season. I look forward to fixing the things we did last season that didn’t allow us to get to the championship. Fixing the little mistakes and doing better than last year is crucial.

Were you always a Free Safety or did you have another position growing up?

When I played park ball, I played everything. I played running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker. When I got into high school I just stuck with free safety. At first I played slot wide receiver, but I had a freak injury and broke my fingers. I was out for most of that season. When I came back the next season, I just stuck with free safety.

How do you prepare for game day?

The team has a meeting. We all get together and pray. We eat our pre game meals. I put in my earphones and listen to music to get hyped up. I focus on what’s coming up, nothing else. I don’t exhaust myself. I prepare myself for the game that’s coming up because I know I have to put in everything I have in order to win the game.

What do you hope your teammates and coaches say about you after you’re done at Kenner Discovery?

I hope they can say I was a good influencer. Not only am I good on the field, but I’m good in the classroom. Maintaining a good gpa comes first. Everything has to be taken care of in the classroom before you go on the field. I hope my coaches can talk to future players about how I wasn’t the biggest, but I always brought the heat. I don’t give up. I might be hurt but i’ll always go back in and play. I just hope they can use me as a good example to help others strive for greatness.

What would you say is your biggest weakness?

I would say my biggest weakness is my height. I’m not the biggest or tallest. That can play a big part in whether or not other opponents are intimidated.

Are there any players in college or the NFL that you look up to?

I would say Troy Polamalu. He’s retired now but he’s definitely one of my favorites. He was a monster. He would always make big plays, and he has beautiful hair.

If you weren’t a free safety, what other positions would you want to play?

I would definitely like to be a receiver or a cornerback. Those are some fun positions.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you?

I grew up with a single mom. My mom definitely has a big impact on who I am today.