Joseph Lenker '17 Recruiting Profile

My name is Joey Lenker and I live in the small town of Jerome, ID.  I have grown up loving the game of football and have never wanted to do anything more than play college ball. Up until my Sophomore year of high school I had a played Quarterback and Inside Linebacker. Come Sophomore year, the varsity coaches found new, more fitting positions for me at Tight End/Slot Receiver, and Outside Linebacker. My first year as a Tight End, I was honored with being named 2nd Team All Conference. As the off-season began, I knew that in order to achieve my dreams of playing ball in college, I would really have to step things up. After the Basketball and Track seasons, I worked day in and day out to better myself as an athlete. Over a course of approximately 3 months, I turned my 5.1 40 time into a 4.8, while also packing on about 10 more pounds. I also increased my bench and squat each about 40-50 pounds. I'm nowhere near where i need/want to be, but I have the work ethic to get me to that point. Instead of playing basketball this year, I have decided to change things up. All my life I've had my parents there to buy me the things I want and I feel as though I have taken them for granted. Therefore, this year I decided I'd apply for jobs and make my own money. I feel as though when you have to work and grind for every last cent that you earn, you tend to spend that money more wisely, and be more appreciative of the things you posses. I have learned so much through sports, such as character, work ethic, self-discipline, mental and physical toughness, and I have also made some truly cherish-able bonds and friendships that can never be lost or broken. That is one of the many things that I find so great about football. The people you meet and the bonds made with them are irreplaceable, whether they be a teammate, or a rival. The game of football and my great coaches, have taught me so many things that I am able to apply to the real world, but I feel as though I am not finished learning yet, as nobody ever is. There is always so much to learn and experience, and college football is one place for me to extend my knowledge. Which brings me to the point of schooling. Getting a great education from a school that I love and am comfortable with is super important to me. I want to be able to not only continue to play the sport I love so dearly, but to also receive the education of a lifetime. As every child/teen who happens to be in love with a sport, I one day hope to make it to the NFL. But, in the chance in which that does not happen, I am still debating between 2 different career choices. I want to either go to school and receive a teaching degree and one day be able to teach physical education to high school students as well as coach football, or receive some sort of media communications degree and grow to become a national sportscaster. I hope this bit about myself has been very helpful to you and I eagerly await communication with whomever may be reading this.