DITR: Ronnie “Hollywood” Crosby III

Ronnie Crosby III aka “Hollywood” is a class of 2023 running back for DeRidder High School in DeRidder, LA.  He’s 5’8 and weighs 185 pounds. Ronnie is as strong runner using his speed to gain as many yards as he can. Ronnie has a way of using his strength and speed to bypass his defenders and get upfield. His 40 yard dash is a 4.45, his shuttle is 4.18, and he has a 11.2 100 time. Ronnie benches 270, power cleans 270, and squats 365. Furthermore, his vertical is 33’’. Last season he rushed for 2,000 yards and hopes to beat that this season. Some of his athletic awards include 2021 Team MVP, 2021 1st Team All District RB, 1st Team All district Returner, 2021 Beauregard Parish Offensive MVP, 2021 LSWA Class 4A All State Return Specialist, and 2021 All-SW Louisiana Football team Running Back. He also possesses academic awards including Honor Roll, National Honors Society, and the Athletic Academic Award and maintains a 3.6 GPA.

Ronnie Crosby III is a family oriented person. He gets his motivation from seeing his mom fight breast cancer when he was younger. Every day for over a year his mom, Tranquil, went through radiation and chemotherapy and never gave up or complained. His strength and desire to succeed comes from her strength and he plays for her. His discipline comes from his dad, Ronnie Crosby II, a retired Army officer of 22 years active service. He also gets motivation from his sister as well motivating her to be a great athlete. He believes success comes from his teammates efforts. It’s a team game and it’s important to succeed as a team.

WATCH RONNIE’S HIGHLIGHTS HERE!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

R: I’m Ronnie Crosby III. It’s funny, I would say I’m from New Orleans, but my parents would say I’m from Deridder. I’m really into cars, working out, football. I’m a certified lifeguard as well as an umpire. I try to keep myself active.

Can you tell me what made you play football?

R: I’ve been playing since I was 4. I’ve always been in stuff. I remember outrunning everyone and scoring so many touchdowns a game.

Can you give me some insight of what is going through your mind before a game?

R: I don’t get dressed until the last 30 minutes. I just sit there and lock in, pray, and hope everything goes right. I’ve broken my right wrist, my left arm, and I’m tired of breaking bones. I listen to music. I always kiss my mom, dap up dad, and hug my sister before the game. I keep that same ritual.

What is something you’ve learned from football that you’ve been able to apply in everyday life?

R: Teamwork, never give up, and trust.

What is an academic and athletic goal you have set for next year?

R: Next year I want to have all A’s for my senior year. As far as football goes, I rushed for 2,000 yards this previous season and I want to go for 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns next year. I want to be 1st Team All State again as well as Beauregard Parish MVP.

What is the best advice you have received from a coach regarding football?

R: Never give up and keep working. You’ll be something one day as long as you keep working.

What is something that keeps you motivated to be a great athlete?

R: Waking up on Sundays and watching football. I would like to be there one day. I want to achieve that goal to play under the lights, meet new people. My sister is a big time athlete too. I want to be the one to push her and I want her to be the one to push me because we’re in this together.

What are you most excited for when you think about your future in football?

R: Just being able to play somewhere. My next goal is play D1 college ball possibly the SEC.

What do you want people to know about you in everyday life or you as an athlete?

R: Take me serious, I’m not a joke. I am who I am. I do what I have to do on the field and in the classroom. I’m a student-athlete. I also want people to know my name out here. They call me “Hollywood”.