Standing at 5’11” and 176 pounds, Ethan LaPrarie is a middle linebacker, defensive end, tight end, and running back for Pineville Junior High out in Pineville, Louisiana. In our Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game this past December, LaPrarie played for Team Central and obtained two tackles on defense. LaPrarie is a hard-worker, always trying to bring the best version of himself to the field and to his teammates. This past week, I had the exciting possibility of speaking with Ethan.
Q: Why do you play the game of football?
“Because it can teach you a lot of lessons, both on and off the field.”
Q: Where do you see football going in your life?
“High school first, and then possibly going to my dream college (at LSU). After that, the pros.”
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through playing football?
“To take responsibilities for your own actions and take accountability for what you did wrong. I learned this through trying to be the best leader I can for the team.”
Q: What does football mean to you?
“Football is almost like my second home. It’s the thing I want to succeed in life more than anything else.”
Q: What challenges have you overcome on the field?
“Trying to get through possible injuries and bad plays.”
Q: What motivated you to overcome those challenges?
“My team and knowing that, as one of the leaders of my team, I have to show them that I am good enough to play with them and that nobody can give up.”
Q: How do you balance sports with your other responsibilities in life?
“I try to do as much as I can with class in order to do other things and get better overall.”
Q: Do you have a favorite football memory?
“When I was in Red River as a defensive lineman, I got my first touchdown by rushing the QB, stripping the ball, and returning it.”
Q: How do you stay trained and in football-shape during the off-season?
“I work out and go to as many camps as possible to learn different things from each team.”
Q: How are you looking to improve?
“By working out and learning things that could help me ‘in the moment’ of playing.”
Q: What do you think is your biggest strength when you’re out and playing?
“My determination to get to the ball and help make a play.”
Q: What are some goals you’ve set for yourself?
“I’d like to get at least two sacks a game and an interception, and definitely not let up yards.”
Q: Do you try to model your game after any players, pro or collegiate?
“I look at Ray Lewis a lot because of his aggressiveness and how he played the game.”
Q: Do you consider football to be more physically challenging, mentally challenging, or both?
“I think its very mentally challenging because to be more physical, you have to have the right mental set to play a better game.”
Q: What is an interesting fact about you that the readers should know?
“I try to be the best leader on the team I can possibly be, helping my teammates as much as I can on and off the field.”
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