Josh is an experienced linebacker with quick feet and great vision. He consistently finds the gap in the offensive line and exploits the opposing team’s weaknesses every play. Though he may look small on tape, Josh’s 6’1, 200-pound frame packs a heavy punch. When he gets a straight shot at a player, there is no question that he will level them – quarterbacks beware! Josh stands out in the classroom as much as he does on the field. With a 3.4 GPA, Josh is committed to academic excellence as much as any other student. Below is a short exert of our interview.
What have you learned through playing football?
- Football teaches you a lot of life lessons including how to be disciplined, how to work through adversity and how to be a man. It’s taught me that when things get tough to never give up and to push through. Football has also taught me to always be ready for anything and to be able to think on my feet.
How has football made you a better leader?
- When a game makes a bad turn, I’ve stepped up as a leader to pull us together and refocus the team. I’ve always led by example, being the guy who works hard no matter how badly I want to stop. I’ve also learned that your attitude is a big factor when leading. Other people act the way you do, so even when you’re in a bad mood, you have to put that behind you as soon as practice or a game starts. A leader’s attitude is contagious, and I want my team to have the best mindset at all times.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
- Definitely my mom. She has been so amazing – doing the best job raising me as a single mother. She’s always taught me to be accountable and has taught me the value of hard work. She had to take two jobs to take care of our family and I can’t thank her enough for how much she has done for me.
How have you balanced school and football and what major are you interested in?
- I’ve always liked to keep school and football separate in my mind. I go into the classroom with the mindset that I will not get football scholarships to college, but instead have to earn scholarships through grades. That has always kept me motivated and hard working in the classroom. As far as a major goes, I’m interested in finance and marketing right now. I’m just a sociable guy, so I think I would be good at sales.
What are some of your core values?
- I’m a hard worker, so I never give up no matter how hard the task. I also highly value accountability – if you say you’re going to be there or do something, then you better be there doing that thing you said you were. I strive to be a man of my word.
Who is your favorite NFL player?
- I love Ray Lewis. He’s just brings this intensity every time he steps on the field. I love the way he reads plays – he’s such a smart player. I also love the way he lead his team – his teammates really respected him.
What sets you apart from your competition?
- I am one of the fastest guys on the field and have really quick feet. I’m also a smart player and read plays really well, helping me find the gaps and stop plays behind the line.