JS: Congratulations on the offer, how do you feel about this offer and about the UC football program?
DS: Appreciate the congratulations! Very blessed and happy about the offer! The University of Cincinnati has a strong tradition of having a great football program. It is a city that is passionate about football. I am excited to visit, meet the staff and learn more about the university.
JS: During the pandemic what have you been doing to stay in shape and be ready for this football season?
DS: I have been very busy training year-round and loving the changes I am seeing athletically. Spring/Summer practicing daily with my Divine Child HS football team, working with an NFL Alumni on speed and agility exercises three times a week in a group setting, taking Zoom online classes incorporating weights and cardio daily with my gym at the beginning of the pandemic and then started lifting weights outside at my gym daily once the gym began offering outside training. I also continuously train 1:1 with a previous NFL Defensive Coach three times a week, continued training 1:1 with a previous NFL Alumni on all combine exercises, working with a former MSU Football Alumni on offense strategy once or twice a week, did speed camp through my gym many Sundays and then Rising Stars Conditioning and Position training every Sunday evening. Also, did (two) Riding Stars media day camps. Please note, that I plan to pick all of this training back up after this fall football season. In addition, I am continuously working on my diet and nutrition. Currently 6’5″ and 295 pounds, I’m working to get to 285- 290 pounds.
JS: What about your game would you say is the most exciting and dangerous?
DS: The most exciting part of the game is the competition and being part of a team. I love all aspects of football and am fired up to bring as much value to the success of our team as possible. The most dangerous part of the game is that I play very aggressively and love making smart plays by hitting, pancaking and playing through to the whistle.
JS: Do you think this football season is going to provide some challenges and if so how will you overcome them?
DS: The main challenges that myself and my team as well as our opponents will face is to remember to mask up at all times and to be sure we are following all CDC & MHSAA guidelines so we all have a safe season. We have been practicing football with no contact in the spring and summer and were successful. The new challenge will be wearing gloves and masks during contact play. Now that HS football has been reinstated this fall we have a lot of work to do to get prepared in a short amount of time. I feel confident that this can all be accomplished successfully.
JS: What are you looking for in taking the next step and playing college football?
DS: First, I am looking for a school where I can be a successful student-athlete. Family is very important and I would like to find a team where I have great relationships with my coaches and teammates. I want to be a part of a program where I will be able to add a lot of value to the success of the team throughout the years I attend. I also want to make sure I am learning and growing towards my dream of playing in the NFL.
JS: Who has been your biggest influence in the last couple of years?
DS: My parents are my biggest influence in the last couple of years because of all the life lessons they have taught me and continue to teach me day in and day out. They mean the world to me and I could not be where I am without them. I also have had many coaches over the last several years and many currently who in their own unique ways have influenced my game style in very positive ways.
JS: Who do you say your game is closest to professional wise and why?
DS: I personally feel my game is closest to Quentin Nelson because I am always looking for that next pancake play after play. Just like Nelson, once I block my opponent I am always looking for additional blocks until the whistle blows.
JS: What are your goals going into this upcoming season?
DS: My goals for my sophomore season is to continue working hard on my game so I can help my team have a successful season. I want to also bring as much value to the team as possible while dominating the field. I would also like our team to win a state title championship. Personally, I would like to become a captain of our football team to utilize my leadership skills and achieve All-State Honors within the next three years. I also would like to have an awesome film to share with prospective coaches.
JS: What is one thing you have learned since you originally started football that you stand by today?
DS: I have learned that there is no I in team. I am part of a team of coaches and teammates who are all striving for the same success on the field. When on the field I must perform at a high level of excellence and be extremely competitive to achieve the most success for our team.
Great answers from Mr. Senda who will have a lot to play for this year and beyond we wish him luck in the future and congrats on the offer again!
