He started as the slowest kid on the track, but he never let that define him. He trained every day, stayed hungry, and during his 8th grade year dropped two full seconds off his 100-meter time. Even with that progress, he knew there was more work ahead and remained focused on what was still to come.
He played five games on JV at middle linebacker and recorded 30 tackles with 3 sacks, showing early production and toughness on the field. After having to move, he started over at Catonsville High School, where he joined the wrestling program and went 11-3 on varsity while also winning the JV county wrestling championship.
He later moved again to Hereford, where he continued to prove himself as a multi-sport athlete. In track and field, he qualified for states, broke the freshman school record in the shot put, and earned All-County and All-Conference honors. During that time, he, his brother, and his father were displaced from their home and had to live in motels or stay on friends’ and family members’ couches while still driving nearly 50 minutes to and from school each day. His father was working 50–60 hours a week, but he continued to train relentlessly and stay committed.
Despite those challenges, he delivered a major personal record at Freshman Nationals. In a competition where the top three athletes broke the freshman national championship record, he still earned All-American honors and became a medalist, proving his resilience, discipline, and ability to perform under difficult circumstances.
He balled out that season, finishing with 56 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks while starting and contributing in multiple roles. He played wherever the team needed him and even learned fullback late in the season in just one week, averaging 6 yards per carry on 10 carries. His ability to adjust quickly and produce on both sides of the ball showed his toughness, versatility, and team-first mindset.
Instead of wrestling, he chose indoor track to chase something great and push himself in a different way. After losing a family member to cancer, he used that pain as motivation to compete at a higher level, going on to win regionals and a state championship. Now, with another state meet coming up in two weeks, he is focused on becoming a two-time state champion.