We would like to welcome our next Diamond In The Rough to Gridiron, Max Guy, a 5’11, 290-pound 2027 Defensive Lineman out of Convington High School. Carrying a 3.4 GPA into his senior year, the fact that he is a powerlifter as well pays huge dividends to his strength on the defensive line. He is incredibly skilled and quick for his size and does not get moved backwards what so ever. He can fill the holes easily due to his size and can also jump into screen passing lanes, as he recorded two interceptions this past season. He is a pancake-making machine and has no specific interests in where he wants to play college football. He will play wherever his heart takes him.
Here is the conversation I had with Max Guy:
What has your football journey been like for you so far? At what age did you start playing football, and what originally inspired you to play football?
I started playing football at around eight years old, in peewee football. I don’t know the exact age, but I was pretty young. What inspired me was that my grandpa, uncle, and dad played, so I was kind of like a family thing. I always grew up watching the Saints as well.
Who have been some of the biggest influences in your journey? Family members, coaches, etc?
I have a lot of good teammates. I have one who plays on the defensive line with me, and we are very supportive of each other and always hyping each other up. Pretty much my whole family is very supportive, and all my coaches and teammates support each other very well.
How would you describe the football culture at your school, community, and in Louisiana?
My school and really my whole team are just a family. We all have each other’s backs. My community is very supportive, with all our parents and whatnot; they all support us well. I think Louisiana is a really good state for football. We have a lot of good opponents, and pretty much everyone we’ve played isn’t really trash-talking that much; everyone is really respectful towards each other.
Do you have a core memory of playing as a little kid, like when you first started playing?
I remember one time I was playing for this team, and the game we played, it was raining. I thought it was fun to play in the rain, so there was one play where I just got off, and the ball carrier fumbled, and I took it, but I ended up tripping. That was definitely a core memory for me, returning the ball after someone fumbled.
Was playing on the defensive line something you always wanted to do, or did you have another position in mind at first?
Nah, I kind of always wanted to play on the D-line, I mean, that’s where all the dogs are, and you get to hit people.
Who’s your favorite NFL defensive player?
Probably TJ Watt.
What’s something about your game that you think separates you from other players at your position?
Probably from what I’ve seen in other people who play the same position as me, my technique. I just do what the coach tells me to do, and I feel better than anybody else on the team. I think that is why I have been playing since my freshman year.
What part or parts of your game do you feel like have improved the most over the years, and what would you like to improve on?
I’ve definitely improved the most in my pass rushing, but I still want to improve further. I want to learn some new moves that might work this season and see where they will go.
Walk me through your preparation during a typical game day.
Before a game, I’ll go to school and get everything done, and after school, I’ll see our trainer and get my back worked on if it’s sore, or I might take an ice bath the day before. Two hours before the game, I’ll get in the weight room and do some band stretches. After that, we’ll eat, go to the trainer, get taped up, and after that, it’s time to lock in.
How do you stay motivated during the offseason when the spotlight is not on you all the time?
I powerlift to stay strong during the offseason. We just had our state meet, and nationals are in about three weeks. Also, one of the football coaches is a powerlifting coach, so two days a week, he takes all the football guys out to stretch just to stay mobile.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced over the years of playing thus far?
Not really injuries, I think my biggest struggles have been trying to be a good teammate. To be honest, I have not really felt like I have struggled with much, but being a good leader is another area I greatly want to improve. It’s not really a challenge, but something that you have to learn to do.
There’s a lot of underclassmen on the powerlifting team, so being the upperclassman that I am, I just try to teach them things to the best of my abilites like form and all that.
What was the most memorable game you played, and why did it stand out?
My sophomore year, we had a home first-round playoff game against one of our rivals, and I remember we were so hyped up, but you just have to take the pressure off of yourself, knowing that it is still a football game and you have to go out there and execute. We won that game, and we played for the Jug, so that was very memorable.
How would you describe yourself as a leader to your teammates?
I believe I am a pretty good leader. I’m an upperclassman now, so I have to teach all the younger guys a lot. Especially on the defensive line, teaching all the young guys new things so that when I leave, they will take over for me in a great way.
When people look back at your high school career, what do you hope they say about you as a player and person?
I hope that they see me as not just a great person but a really great teammate. I think that is number one for me, being a good teammate, being there for everybody. I want them to look back on me as a dog, like someone who had a great mentality.
Did you play any other sports when you were younger, or do you do any others now?
Really just powerlifting, but when I was in middle school, I did a lot of things like track and field, baseball, I think that’s about it.
What was the Gridiron Football camp experience like?
I think it was a really good camp. I liked how we did a lot of 1-on-1s. I feel like we should have done more of them. That is my favorite part about it, though.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from it? What is something you learned the most?
I learned a lot about how to use my hands better and where to put them if certain situations happen.
What has the recruitment process been like for you? Any offers? Are you getting in contact with any college coaches?
I’ve been talking to a lot of coaches, but I don’t have any offers. I’ve been texting a lot of people, sending my tape out.
Is there a specific college or colleges you have in mind that you want to play for?
No, not really. I kind of just want to go wherever the wind takes me.
Why do you believe you can be a difference maker wherever you end up?
I feel like being able to lift the team’s spirits will be a huge difference-maker. I feel like I will be good friends with everyone and keep them in a good mood and with a positive attitude.
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