Darryl Langford '17 Recruiting Profile

When I was in the seventh grade, I made it known to my parents (and anyone who would listen) that my desire was to be in the United States Navy.  I think I would enjoy pursuing an education at one of the Service Academy's.  However, I am open to attending a university or college, which offers me the opportunity to participate in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program. 

My family has a legacy of service to our country.  My Great-Grandpa Jonah (Navy - WWII), my Grandfather “Poppy” Frank (Army - Vietnam), my Uncle Anthony (Army - Iraq & Afghanistan, and currently serves as a Pentagon Police Officer), my big brother Christopher (Army), my big sister Brittanie is currently serving in the United States Air Force stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base.  She is a “Brainiac” Meteorologist.  Saving the best for last...my Dad Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Darryl Langford (Army - Aviation Branch) enjoyed a 28 year career during which time he served in the Louisiana National Guard as a Medic and participated in his college ROTC Program to become a Commissioned Officer and helicopter pilot.  My Dad deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Korea...Yes, he was a busy young man, and I am very proud of him (of all my family).  He continues his service today as the Senior Army Instructor for my school's (Fayette County High School) JROTC Program.  My Dad is also an Ordained Licensed Minister at our church. 

My Dad was gone a lot and I missed him but I knew he was doing what he loved and helping our country by protecting us.  Learning from him helped me to understand selfless service which is why I want to one day serve in the United States Military. 

I have heard people say things like “Military Brats or Preacher’s Kids are the worse”, but I find having these legacies in my corner make me a better person all around.  I am a person of high moral character and discipline.   I have had the best examples to emulate!  I know I would be an excellent candidate for a college team because I understand teamwork.  I was not just told what to do; I was shown what to do by wonderful parents, relatives, and mentors.   By the age of 7, we had lived in four different states and on two Continents.  That much moving around requires TEAMWORK!

I also understand what it means to have a good work ethic both on and off the court.  I work hard and always strive to give 110% to everything.  My teachers and Coaches always tell us that we are "Student Athletes" which to me means you must take your schoolwork seriously first and foremost, so that you can do well in your Athletic pursuits.  How you perform in the classroom, will translate to how you perform on the basketball court, during JROTC Raider Team, or on the football field, or track field.   If you don't give everything you have to your studies, chances are you won't give everything you have to your Coaches or Teammates, because you will just be doing enough to get by. 

I think most recruits will say they are “focused and determined”.  I am no exception.  However, what I think sets me apart is that my focus doesn’t have tunnel vision.  I don’t just see myself getting better on the court because of natural athleticism.  Basketball is a “team sport” and everyone has to be involved in order for the team to be successful.  Players score points, but Teams WIN games and ultimately, Championships. 

My determination doesn’t waver when presented with a challenge or opportunity.  When I want to learn something new, I study everything I can find on the subject.  My parents have always encouraged me to pursue different things and to follow my dreams.  My Mom always tells my siblings and me “Never chase a paycheck.  Follow your passion.  When you are so enthusiastic about doing something (a job, a career, a service, a hobby) that you don’t care whether you are paid...then you have found your passion.  Once you find your passion you will have discovered your GOD given purpose and then you will know true happiness.”   When I was 8 years old, I wanted to learn how to play the guitar and the alto saxophone.  After talking my parents into buying me the instruments, I studied outside of my regular music lessons to teach myself new material and to write songs.  I became interested in skate boarding and not only taught myself how to skate but also how to build a skateboard from scratch. 

I am a very quick learner and my coaches tell me they appreciate the way I listen to instruction and follow through.  I was determined to make the Varsity Basketball team as a freshman, so I worked on my strength, agility and shooting.  As a result, I was selected for my school’s varsity team!  It was a very exciting and rewarding opportunity.  Our team was 3rd in our conference, made it to the Sweet Sixteen beating a team, which was undefeated on their home court, and we went on to the Elite Eight. 

To prepare myself to excel in my favorite sport, I work individually and with other coaches (outside of school basketball and AAU) engaging in extra workouts to become better each time I step onto the court.   I go above and beyond whenever possible.  If senior leaders agree, qualified women will begin training as Navy SEALs in March 2016 (again more research)...My graduation year is 2017 and my eye is on the prize.  An academically sound college education and a fundamentally sound collegiate basketball program will help prepare me for my ultimate goal of being a member of SEAL Team Six. 

General Douglas MacArthur addressing the cadets at the United States Military Academy (1962) said: “Duty, Honor, Country:  Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn." 

I have the courage, faith and hope that a college program will consider me an asset to their program.  After all, aside from my other EXCEPTIONAL qualities...I am a pretty cool person to know.   :-0)