I recently spoke with Leo Valencia, who attended the Neville Football Camp and is currently at Caldwell Parish High School, Class of 2029. When asked about his accomplishments, he shared that he is most proud of running a 5.5 second 40 yard dash. In the weight room, he has put up solid numbers, including a 205 pound bench press, a 385 pound squat, and a 195 pound clean, though he mentioned he has not yet recorded a deadlift. He plays offensive guard and is focused on improving his stance and learning how to stay lower on the field to enhance his performance. In addition to athletics, he maintains a strong 3.87 GPA, showing his dedication both on and off the field.
Interview with Leo Valencia:
What goals do you have for your upcoming season?
” Be better and work hard and develop my skills, be 10 – 0.”
What made you start playing football?
” My brother, I went to watch his football game when I was little and I just thought it was cool and I fell in love with it.”
How has football shaped your plans for the future?
” I think it has shaped it very well and I think I will go pretty far in this football sport.”
What was your favorite drill?
” My favorite drill was probably 1on1s because I like to compete with the best of the best.”
What skill do you think is most important for your position?
” I think staying low is the most important for my position and having good hands and footwork as well.”
How do you handle pressure during critical moments in a game?
” I just calm myself down take a breath and just think about the next play”.
What’s the best advice a coach or teammate has given you ?
” The best advice a coach has given me was to ‘always stay disciplined’. ”
What are your biggest strengths?
” My biggest strengths is my mindset. “
How do you balance football with schoolwork and other activities?
” I always do my work in class everyday and finish on time then I can worry about what I do on the field or I set a certain time for myself to do my schoolwork. “
How important is academics to you as a student athlete?
” It is very important to me because without good grades you can’t go nowhere in life. “
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