JS: What high school will you be attending and what grade will you be entering?
CT: I will be attending Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio. I’m an incoming freshman, Class of 2026.
JS: How would you describe your experience at UC camp?
CT: The camp experience at UC was great. I seen a lot of great athletes there that have been at some of the camp circuits with me. Players like Angelo McCullom out of Columbus, we really push each other at these camps to turn heads. Also some of the coaches that have followed me on this journey it is pretty cool to get instructions from them and they tell you good job at the end. That makes me work even harder.
JS: What would it mean for you to gain interest from a program like UC?
CT: Man that would be surreal, both of my parents attended UC, my dad was an athlete at UC and obviously it’s the home town team. So to even be considered as a prospect at a school like UC would mean everything. Being at a big time program close to home so everyone who has supported you can come watch you. I think any player would want that right?
JS: What positions have you been targeting at camps? How would you describe your skill set?
CT: Growing up, I have always played both sides of the ball. Running back on offense and defensive line and some linebacker on defense. At the camps I have been focusing on edge or defensive end because I love to compete in one vs. one competitions. With my speed and athletic abilities, I believe I can play linebacker as well. My skill set right now is considered to be an athletic hybrid. I study a lot of Von Miller for his speed and bending ability. Coach (Walt) Stewart (defensive line) and (defensive lineman) Malik Vann encouraged me to try both defensive end and linebacker to become more versatile since I’m still so young. I’m excited about the great coaches I’ll have access to at Lakota West so I’m sure they will put everyone in the best position to be successful. Development was the biggest reason I decided to enroll at Lakota West.
JS: Do you currently have any offers or interest from programs?
CT: Yes, I currently have three D1 offers. Eastern Kentucky, they have an amazing staff and have showed me a lot of love. Akron as well, that offer was special because my grandfather played there and the coaching I received from coach DeLattiboudere was next to none when I spent time in Akron. Also, Georgia Tech offered me, that was very special because it was very first offer which came from coach Mike Daniels who is a UC alum, so I’ll always remember that moment. I visited Tech over the weekend as well. I also have interest from programs like Miami of Ohio and Kentucky. I hope to revisit both of those programs in the fall for games. It all is so humbling because a lot of kids my age don’t get these opportunities, but you can count on me to keep my faith, keep working hard on and off the field and being a great teammate.
