Dedric Lastie is an elite running-back and leader out of Riverside Academy. With a frame of 5’6, 150 pounds, Dedric Lastie proves that size doesn’t matter as he is one of the key factors towards his team’s success. He is an incredibly shifty running back with a 4.4 40 yard dash, and had an amazing junior season last year where he had 2,528 rushing yards on only 258 carries averaging 9.8 yards per carry. He also had 42 rushing TDs, 2 receiving, and 1 punt return TD. The senior running-back stands as a leader off the field with a 3.5 GPA and looks to top his phenomenal junior season this year with Riverside Academy. Dedric’s next game will be against Vermilion Catholic tonight!
When did you start playing football?
“I began playing football at the early age of 5.”
What made you start playing?
“I started playing football because that’s what I grew up around and my dad was a coach.”
What do you love about football?
“I love the brotherhood that football brings and when you’re playing football all of your problems are gone.”
What player, NFL or College did you model your game after?
“The player that I looked up to and watched growing up was Marshall Faulk. Our play styles are very similar and he was electric. A bonus is that he grew up in the same neighborhood as me.”
What is your motivation?
“My motivation is being doubted because all my life it’s been the size thing, so it motivates me to just go out there and show them that my size doesn’t matter and that I can do anything on the field.”
What parts of your game are you working on right now?
“I’ve been working on everything because nobody is perfect. Sharpening every part of my game is important in being the player that I want to be.”
What is your goal for this season?
“My goal is to bring the state championship home. Growing up, everyone wants to win championships and this is my senior year, so it’s now or never.”
What game or moment in the game has been your favorite up to this point?
“Playing against Vermilion Catholic in the semifinals last year. Tensions were high, very muddy & rainy game, there was a weather delay and even through all of that, we never quit or thought about rescheduling everyone was just locked in and ready to play.”
What do you do on your free time outside of school?
“Outside of school I workout & go to training sessions.”
How do you feel about your carries being split at times, at running back?
“I don’t have a problem with carries being split because its helps the team win when both of the running backs are fresh. The goal is to win the game and if that means being a team player then that’s what I’ll have to do because the common goal is winning.”
