James Herrington '15 Recruiting Profile

As I begin to write my personal statement I immediately think about who I am beyond football,  and how being that person has helped me to gain a great start into a life I feel will be full of great things.

Even though I am only 16 years old and a junior in high school I have so much to be thankful for.  I have great people in my life who have helped to influence who I am.  First of all I have devoted parents who seek only the best for me.  To see how they continue to work hard every day making sure my siblings and I have the things we need has given me early insight on how important it is to work hard.  So not only am I a student athlete I also work at a local mom and pops store as a stock boy and do general custodial duties. I am active in many school related functions as well as my church. Having active and supportive parents in my life has had the greatest influence on me and it continues daily.

Football has been an interest of mine since I was about the age of 3.  My dad purchased a Dallas Cowboys uniform (full gear) and he and I would play around in the yard quite often.  When my brothers were old enough to join us, dad taught us the ins and outs of football and boy did we have a blast!  It was game time! Later I was privileged to have my dad as my flag football coach. That was a great feeling, my dad and my coach. What else can I say but I had the best of both worlds.  My love for football continued.  I went on to play Jr. High Football and now I have approached the game at a very competitive level.  On this level I’ve learned that football is 80% mental and I try not to let anyone out work me.

Playing football has contributed to me learning several things about myself.  The most important thing is that I am definitely a team player and a great leader.  My teammates look up to me because of my leadership qualities and the drive I have for the sport.

I have mad love for football but at the same time I can’t lose focus on my academic goals.  Some may say playing sports and maintaining good academic marks are impossible.  The key is you must stay focused on both, steer free from any distractions.  My academic goals for high school are to maintain high academic marks and graduate in the top of my class.  I plan to go to college and pursue a degree in Biology/Nursing. Setting goals are important because it gives you something to work towards. To me, goals are my road map to success.

Another factor that plays a part in all of our lives, athlete or not, are obstacles. Speaking from experience you can allow obstacles to make or break you; the choice is yours.  I overcame a grand obstacle in my young life.  When I was a freshman I was at a routine practice preparing to start my first game that Friday as slot receiver.  As I caught a pass across the middle of the field, I planted my feet in the ground and someone tackled me causing my body to twist.  This resulted in a broken fibula, tibia, and ankle. Of course my injury required surgery (metal plate and ten screws).  My doctor told my parents that it was the worst he had seen.  My immediate reaction was to pose the question of my ability to play football again.  I was told that I may never walk straight again.  That night I began to talk to the man that had been with me through all of this.  I asked him to heal my body and give me the strength to do the things I use to do. As I went back for routine check-ups things were looking good.  I was making great progress.  My doctor was amazed at how I was progressing so rapidly.  In the spring of the next year all the hardware was removed and I was released.  I wasn’t able to participate in spring practice but I was there, watching, listening and learning.  That summer I committed myself to working even harder, I was dedicated, focused, and destined to make a comeback.  My 10th grade year I was awarded “Comeback Player of the Year”.  My teammates and coaches were astounded as to how much effort I put into returning.  My dad was extremely proud because he is my high school coach.

If I had to speak on my characteristics of self I would have to say that I’m self disciplined, I’m a natural born leader and to say the least  I’m a coach’s son.