We Speak Football

When Preparation Meets Purpose: Danny Scudero’s Relentless Path From Underdog To Trusted Playmaker

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2025

For San Jose State’s wide receiver Danny Scudero, football is more than just a game. It’s a lifelong passion driven by purpose, preparation, and a deep love for competition. A recent transfer eager to make his mark at home, Scudero enters the upcoming season with laser focus, a relentless work ethic, and a humble mindset grounded in gratitude. Whether he’s grinding through offseason training, building chemistry with teammates, or studying the nuances of elite receivers, Scudero is all in and committed to becoming the best version of himself both on and off the field.

How do you balance training with academics and personal life?
This is definitely a difficult balance to find. However, it is important to remember that you are a student-athlete. Take care of your business in the classroom the same way you take care of business on the field or in the weight room. It’s also important to find time for yourself away from your sport. Do something you enjoy. Personally, I love hanging out with my family and friends, listening to music, or playing video games.

Who do you train with during the off-season? Do you have a mentor or trainer?
During the off-season, I train a lot with my teammates to build strong connections and relationships. Outside of that, I’ve also been working with football trainer Dylan Bradley in Irvine, California. He’s helped me tremendously with my footwork and overall football ability.

How are you staying in shape during the off-season?
First and foremost, it’s important to use the off-season to rest and recover from the previous season. Once your body and health are taken care of, it’s time to get back to work. You should treat the off-season just as seriously as the regular season because this is when you gain an edge over the competition. I try to get 1% better every day and keep stacking those days. It’s not always glamorous, but these are the grind moments that bring results later.

What part of your game do you think improved most last season?
Last season was my first real college football experience, so it took some time to adjust. Playing at the Division I level helped me build confidence and gain valuable in-game experience. I improved steadily throughout the year, and I feel like my best performance came in the final game of the season.

What lessons did you take away from last season?
I’ve learned to be grateful for every opportunity. As athletes, we often get caught up in what’s next. The next game, the next season, the next workout, but it’s important to appreciate where you are. Step on the field with gratitude, especially on the days you don’t feel like it. You never know when your last opportunity will come. I also learned the value of the relationships you form with teammates. Those bonds are often lifelong.

What motivates you to keep pushing during the off-season?
A quote that keeps me going is: “Stop expecting results you didn’t work for” – Inky Johnson. That sticks with me every day. As an athlete, you’re judged on your results, and I want to produce the best results possible, so I have to work at the level that matches the goals I’ve set.

Have you taken on a leadership role with your team during the break?
I transferred into SJSU in January, so I’m still new to the team. I believe leadership is earned and not given, so I’m focusing on gaining the respect of my teammates and coaches first. I do extra work after workouts, and train on off days with my teammates, so they know I’m all in. If leadership opportunities come my way, I want them to be earned through trust. The leaders on our team do a great job, and Coach Ken is someone I learn from every day. He’s helped me grow not just as a football player, but as a person.

Are you watching or studying any pro or college players for inspiration?
Absolutely,I love watching highlights in my free time. I study guys like Tyreek Hill, Tank Dell, Zay Flowers, Josh Downs, Tavon Austin (of course), Tez Johnson, and Ronald Moore. I try to model my game after them, and watching their film helps sharpen my skills.

What’s your favorite part about football that keeps you coming back?
My favorite part about football is crossing the end zone line. There’s something special about celebrating with your teammates, hearing the crowd, and seeing your family cheering. Scoring takes all 11 guys doing their job, so it’s a moment that reflects everyone’s effort, not just mine. That’s what makes it so rewarding.

How do you deal with pressure and expectations from coaches or peers?
Pressure and expectations can be tough, but it all comes down to mindset and confidence. I view pressure as a privilege. If there are expectations placed on you, it means you’re in a position others wish they could be in. Confidence comes from preparation. You fall back on the work you’ve put in. I also try to set my own expectations instead of letting others define them. And above all, I trust that whatever happens is part of God’s plan for me. Even if I fall short, I’ll learn from it and come back stronger.

Are there any teammates you think will have a breakout season next year?
Plenty! I believe a lot of guys I’ve played with are due for a breakout season. I believe Devin Gandy at Louisiana Tech, Michael Forney at Western Illinois, Carson Conklin at Fresno State, and Treyshaun Hurry at Louisville will all have breakout seasons. But I’m especially excited about my current teammates. Our quarterback, Walker Eget is going to have a great season. Also, our wide receivers Leland Smith, Malachi Riley, Khyree Shoels, and Matt Coleman have been grinding, and are ready to make a lot of noise.

What college or post-high school football goals do you have?
My dream is to be drafted into the NFL and play for any team that gives me the opportunity. That’s the vision I’m working toward every day.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
I’m most excited about representing my hometown school and putting all the offseason work on display. It’s going to be special to take the field with my teammates and show the results of everything we’ve built together.

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We Speak Football

Offense, Defense, Doesn’t Matter: Carson Ray Is A Problem Everywhere

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2025

We Speak Sports

Carson Ray is the kind of athlete who refuses to settle. Whether he’s locking down a receiver, flying to the ball as a linebacker, or torching defenders as a wideout, the Loyal Athlete standout brings intensity to every rep. Playing multiple positions in the fast-paced world of 7-on-7 football has shaped Carson into a complete competitor. With his eyes on a Division 1 school in the future, he’s just getting started. Driven by hunger, built by hard work, and backed by Loyal, Carson is showing what it means to play with purpose.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I started playing football because I wanted to improve my speed, agility, and skills to be better at tackle football. I knew 7-on-7 and flag would help me focus on the fundamentals like route running and quick decision-making. It gave me a new way to stay competitive year-round.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Being part of this program has helped me gain more exposure and confidence. It pushed me to improve my game every time I stepped on the field because I knew people were watching. It’s helped me find my identity as a hard-working, hungry, and dependable athlete.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
Before a big tournament, I try to lock in and block out all distractions. I focus on staying calm, staying confident, and trusting the work I’ve already put in. That mindset helps me go out and perform at my best when it counts the most.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
My pregame music changes from week to week depending on my mood, but it’s always something that gets me fired up. I like songs that give me energy and help me visualize making big plays. I also take a few minutes to focus, stretch, and get mentally prepared.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
When I step onto the field, I’m there to dominate, No question about it. I flip the switch and bring intensity on every rep. My only goal is to outwork whoever is in front of me.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I stay motivated by reminding myself that I’m getting better every day. Even when it’s tough, I think about how it’ll pay off during the season. I want to stay in shape and be ahead of the competition.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
Whether it’s a coach, parent, or pro athlete, I look up to people who lead by example and work hard without excuses. Their mindset pushes me to carry myself the same way and never settle for average.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there’s always someone else grinding, trying to outwork you. That thought keeps me honest and reminds me to never get too comfortable. You have to stay hungry if you want to be great.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
The coaches believe in me and push me to unlock my full potential. They hold me accountable, but they also support me every step of the way. Having mentors who care really makes a difference in my growth both as an athlete and a person.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means everything to wear the name of my team across my chest. I take pride in being part of a brotherhood and representing Loyal Athletes the right way. Every time I play, I’m not just playing for myself. I’m playing for my team and everyone who believes in me.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I try not to dwell on it too long. Football is a game of ups and downs, and it’s important to move on and focus on the next opportunity. I learn from it, shake it off, and lock back in.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
My motivation is knowing that every workout, every rep, is getting me one step closer to my goals. I want to stand out when it’s game time, and that only happens if you put in the work when no one’s watching. That grind is what separates good from great.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I’d love to play for any Division 1 program or make it to the NFL. That’s been my dream since I started playing. I know it takes dedication, and I’m willing to work for it every day.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
When I’m not playing football, I like to hang out and have fun with my teammates. We’re like family, and spending time off the field builds that chemistry. It helps us trust each other even more when it’s game time.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
My coaches and parents have taught me how to be mentally tough and disciplined. They’ve helped me see the bigger picture—not just how to be a better athlete, but how to be a better person. Their support keeps me grounded and focused.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
In high-pressure moments, I try to block everything else out and focus on what I need to do. I remind myself that I’ve trained for this, and I trust my instincts. That mindset helps me stay calm and make big plays when it matters most.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
My favorite route is the slice. It allows me to find the opening in the defense and create space for a big play. It’s all about timing and reading the defense, and I like the challenge that comes with it.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to win every tournament and improve every time I step on the field. Long-term, I want to make it to the NFL and have a successful career. I know it’ll take hard work and consistency, but I’m all in.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
You build chemistry by being around your teammates constantly. On and off the field. Communication is huge, and so is building real friendships. When you trust each other, you play better together.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
My advice is to go for it, and don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone. Work hard, stay focused, and always be willing to learn. You’ll grow a lot and create experiences that will last a lifetime.