Everyday is a grind when it comes to being and performing at his best for the junior wide receiver DJ Darling (11). Darling has put in much work and effort in order to make a name for himself on and off the football field. Football isn’t for the faint of heart, so being able to be at a level that is a tier above the crowd is pretty remarkable.
Being an athlete can take a toll, so having a good support system is a big deal when it comes to staying healthy both physically, mentally, and emotionally. When asked who he feels best supports him both as a person and a player, he gave all the credit to his family. “[They] have been supporting me through my entire journey of playing football.”
Darling has been competing in this sport for many years now, and he says his love for the game started because of his father. “My dad is definitely someone who has motivated me to play football,” Darling said. “Growing up around the game also has allowed me to become motivated to play for myself from an early age.” Darlings’ dad had a career of his own as a player, and he is now a coach. Following in his footsteps, Darling is also striving to make a statement about who he is as a player.
In order to utilize the talent and skills he has gained, he has set his sights on receiving offers from colleges that are willing to offer a spot for him. “It is my dream to go on and play at the next level. [That] has always been my goal,” he explained. Darling has received one offer from the University of Idaho, and he will aim towards getting recognition from elsewhere.
Because Darling still has time remaining at the high school level, he needs to stay constantly dedicated to his work on the field while also staying caught up with his academics. Darling always tries to make sure he is performing to the best of his ability. He explained, “I try to stay levelheaded and just control what I can do and give 100% effort any time I can on and off the field.” This is an excellent mindset for any athlete to have, considering there’s always work that needs to be done off the field.
In the winter, he plays basketball, which keeps him active during the dreary winter days. Apart from his time on the field and the court, Darling performs in track and field during the spring to help keep him in shape and healthy for football season. During his time in track, Darling runs fast and is a fantastic long jumper as well. Playing in these sports helps him to keep his strength and endurance up to date during the offseason to best prepare him for football.
The future is looking bright for Darling in his athletic career as long as he continues to work hard to efficiently maintain his current abilities. Many incredible opportunities likely await him, but for now, Darling will stay committed to the tasks at hand and the goals he has planned for himself, as he is the only person that can truly define himself.