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Eyes On The End Zone, Heart In The Game: One Athlete’s Mission To Inspire, Lead, And Succeed

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From the moment he started watching Justin Jefferson light up the field, football became more than a game for Christopher Garner Jr., it became a calling. Inspired by greatness, he poured himself into the grind learning that true success comes from discipline, teamwork, and heart. Through the Elite 7-on-7 program, Christopher has sharpened his skills, and built unshakable bonds with teammates and coaches. With big goals in mind, he’s not just preparing for a season, he’s preparing for a future filled with purpose and potential.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Garner Jr.

Christopher, what inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
Watching Justin Jefferson inspired me. His style and confidence made me want to be like him. That passion got me into 7-on-7, where I found my love for competing.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
It’s helped me become a smarter, tougher, and more adaptable player. The experience has built my work ethic and love for the game.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I set goals, visualize making big plays, and stay locked in. I also focus on staying calm and being ready for anything.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I work on routes to sharpen my focus. Then, I throw on NBA YoungBoy to get hype and ready to go.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
I’m locked in and ready to compete. I trust my work, trust my team, and focus on making an impact.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I remind myself of my goals and why I started. The grind is tough, but I know it’s building something greater.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My dad is my biggest influence. He’s always pushing me. He taught me how to be strong and focused.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
Do the right thing, even when nobody’s watching. Character matters just as much as talent.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
They push me past my limits and believe in me. Their guidance helps me grow as a player and a person.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means showing up for your brothers. You play for each other, not just yourself.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I take the lesson, not the loss. Then, I move on and come back stronger.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
I want to be great. Everyday is a chance to get closer to that.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
Ohio State. It’s been my dream school for as long as I can remember.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I play Roblox and just chill. It helps me relax and reset.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
They push me to be my best and hold me accountable. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I stay calm and trust my training. Pressure just means it matters.

What’s your favorite route to run and why?
Comebacks and fades. They allow me to show my footwork and timing. They’re routes that make big plays happen.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to keep improving and make varsity. Long-term, I’m chasing college ball and beyond.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
By always having their back. That trust builds fast when you show up for each other.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Go for it and don’t be afraid to start. If you want it, work for it.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

We Speak Coaches

Lockdown Leadership: Inside The Mind Of Jonesboro High School’s Defensive Backs Coach Ced Brooks

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Jonesboro, GA – In the high-stakes world of high school football, one coach has carved out a legacy. Not just by building winning defenses, but by building futures. Ced Brooks, the defensive backs coach at Jonesboro High School has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business when it comes to molding raw talent into college ready athletes. As a former defensive back himself, Brooks combines an elite football IQ with a passion for player development that extends far beyond the field. His defensive backfield units consistently rank among the top in the county and state, but it’s his track record of sending athletes to the collegiate level that sets him apart. Over the years, many of Brooks former players have signed college letters of intent to top D1 programs, and even gone on to play in the NFL. Former Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett, and current Pittsburg Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton were both coached by Brooks in high school. Now entering his 16th season at Jonesboro High School, Brooks shows no signs of slowing down. With another stacked secondary, and a new wave of talent, the legacy continues and so does the pipeline to the next level.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ced Brooks.

What first inspired you to become a coach?
I had a passion for the game as a player. I wanted to share that passion with people who had a similar up bringing as myself.

What’s the most rewarding part of coaching for you personally?
The most rewarding part of coaching is when I see kids reaching goals they never thought were possible.

How do you define success beyond wins and losses?
Winning is good, because everyone wants to win, but that is secondary for me. The most important thing for me is to getting kids to college.

What’s one lesson your players have taught you?
You can’t coach every player the same way. Each kid has a different skill set. Never force a player to fit in your scheme. Instead, fit your scheme around the skill set of the individual.

How do you help your athletes grow as people, not just players?
I want to help my players become the best possible version of themselves. When they are adults in the real world, they will be able to know what hard work, integrity, and perseverance looks like.

Share a moment that truly moved you during your coaching career?
Seeing some of my players come from nothing, to playing college football and making it to the NFL.

How do you keep your team motivated during tough times?
God and Faith; though teaching such as FCA etc..

What’s something your players might be surprised to know about you?
Although football gave me a future, basketball was my first love.

What’s the proudest moment you’ve experienced as a coach?
My proudest moments is when former players come back and show me love. Just to say “thank you” for getting me to a certain level.

How do you handle pressure and expectations as a coach?
I never put pressure on myself. As for expectations as coach, my motto is “Each One Teach One”, so the game comes natural to me.

What’s a fun ritual or superstition you have before games?
I can’t coach without having my back pack on.

How do you stay connected with former players?
Me and my former players have a strong bond. We are always a phone call away.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young coaches just starting out?
Just because you played the game, doesn’t necessarily means you know how to coach it. This is my advice. Cater to each player skill set, and fit your techniques around the player.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
That I gave it my all to help the betterment of young people.

How has coaching shaped you as a person?
I have learned to be patience, and to never give up on a child. You never know how he will turn out.

How do you handle the emotional weight of being a role model for young athletes?

I handle it by being there for my players when they need someone to turn to. Showing them that they are not alone.

What’s your coaching philosophy?
It’s Hard It’s Fair!! If It Was Easy, Everyone Would Be Doing It.

What’s the most unexpected moment you’ve had as a coach?
I had a 4⭐️ safety transfer to another school in the middle of a game week. That hurt.

What’s the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from a certain loss?
Don’t ever get rattled, just play.

How do you nurture leadership within your team?
I nurture leadership by setting the standards from top to bottom.

What is one piece of advice you constantly repeat to your team?
“Each One Teach One”. Always set good examples because the players under you are watching.

What is the toughest coaching decision you ever had to make?
Moving a kid to another position, when he truly feels he can play that particular position.

How do you stay current with the game to keep evolving as a coach?
I attend coaching clinics. And as a former player myself, I have always been a student of the game.

What would your players say about you as a coach?
Coach Brooks Is A GOAT. He knows his stuff!!

How do you want to be remembered as a coach?
Coach Brooks was always loyal to the game, and that I gave it my all.

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