We Speak Football
Running Toward Greatness With Heart And Hustle: How A Young Football Star Is Rising Through Teamwork, Talent, And Dedication

From the first moment Dezmon Cole picked up a football, this young athlete has been driven by passion, family influence, and a relentless desire to improve. A standout on the field with RCU Hitsquad, he’s now preparing to bring that same energy and skill to Stockdick Middle School. With his versatility and commitment to the game, he’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of youth football. In this Q&A, Cole shares what motivates him, how he handles pressure, and the lessons he’s learned through 7-on-7 and flag football competition.
Dezmon, what inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I was inspired to play football by watching my older brother, and growing up watching the NFL. I love the energy of the game. I got involved with 7-on-7 to build my skills and stay active during the off-season.
How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
It has helped shape me into a hard worker. It’s pushed me to develop a strong work ethic, and always give my best both on and off the field.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I stay focused and get a good night’s sleep the night before. I make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. It helps me stay sharp and ready to compete.
What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
My mindset is to lock in and score every time I touch the ball. I stay focused, confident, and ready to make a big impact on every play.
How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I stay motivated by training hard and watching film to learn and improve. I use the off-season to get better every day and stay ready for game time.
Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influence is my dad. He always pushes me to do my best. Seeing how hard he works for our family motivates me to give my all.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that hard work really does pay off. Nothing is handed to you. This program taught me to stay focused, push through challenges, and never give up.
How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
The coaches help me grow as a player and as a person. They guide me on the right path, push me to improve, and always support my development.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means everything to me. I go out there to give my best and make sure I never let my team down.
How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I just focus on getting better. I learn from it, fix what went wrong, and stay ready because I know I’ll probably get another shot to face them again.
What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
My parents motivate me to keep grinding. They push me to improve every day and chase my goals.
What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
Texas Longhorns.
What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I listen to music and hang out with my brothers and sister.
How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
They’ve helped me by always pushing me to be my best. Coach Pat—may he rest in peace—had the biggest impact. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He saw something in me I didn’t know I had. I miss him every day, and work hard to make him proud.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I stay focused and calm. I have faith in myself and my team.
What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
Stop and go is my favorite route because of my speed. Most DBs can’t stay with me once I hit that second burst after the fake. It’s a great way to create big plays.
What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
My short-term goal is to get better day by day. My long-term goal is to make it to the NFL.
How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
I build chemistry by helping and communicating with my teammates. I make sure they know they can count on me and that I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I lead by example and always fight for the team.
What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Work hard, stay focused, and put in the work.






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 Football
Driven by Purpose: Damari’aee Barrington Prepares to Dominate as a Freshman and Inspire Others

As the upcoming football season approaches, one rising athlete, Damari’aee Barrington is already turning heads with his drive, talent, and relentless work ethic. Coming off a strong year and heading into his freshman season, he’s locked in on personal goals, sharpening his skills, and staying motivated by the support of his family and teammates. With a recent scholarship offer from Tulane University and a breakout mindset, Damari’aee is determined to make his 9th grade season unforgettable.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Damari’aee
How do you balance training with academics and personal life?
I wake up an hour before school and start my day by watching film. After school, I come home and train. If I have any free time, I use it to watch more film or catch up on school work. In the evening, I take a shower, eat, and then relax by playing video games.
Are you attending any camps or combines to gain exposure?
Yes, I’m attending the Avery Strong College Showcase to gain exposure and compete against top talent. It’s a great opportunity to get noticed by college coaches and continue developing my skills.
Who do you train with during the off-season? Do you have a mentor or trainer?
During the off-season, I train with my running back coach, Coach Gio, and my defensive backs coach, Coach Kev. They’ve both been a big part of my development, helping me stay sharp and push my game to the next level.

How are you staying in shape during the off-season?
I stay in shape through spring workouts and by participating in spring football. The workouts keep me strong and conditioned, while spring football helps me stay sharp on the field and improve my technique.
What specific goals have you set for yourself before next season?
My goal is to be the best player in the state. I’m focused on outworking everyone, staying disciplined, and making a big impact every time I step on the field.
Are you working on any particular skills or techniques right now?
Right now, I’m focused on getting stronger in the weight room and improving my speed through training. I want to be more explosive and physically dominant heading into next season.
What part of your game do you think improved most last season?
I think I improved the most as a running back, especially with my vision. I’ve gotten better at reading blocks, being patient, and finding the right lanes to make big plays.
What lessons did you take away from last season?
I learned to never slow down and always keep my foot on the gas. Staying aggressive and consistent every play is what separates good players from great ones.
Is there a moment from last season that stands out to you?
A moment that really stands out to me is playing in the 8th Grade Nationals. It was a huge experience that pushed me to compete at a higher level and gave me a taste of what it takes to succeed.

What motivates you to keep pushing during the off-season?
My biggest motivation comes from my mom and my grandma. I also stay driven by the goals I’ve set for myself I know what I want to achieve, and I’m willing to put in the work to get there.
How do you stay mentally sharp and focused when games aren’t being played?
I stay locked in by keeping a strong work ethic work, work, work. Whether it’s training, watching film, or staying consistent in my routine, I make sure I’m always improving, even when there are no games.
What kind of diet or nutrition plan are you following now?
Right now, I’m focused on getting enough protein to fuel my body. I drink protein shakes and eat protein bars to help with recovery and muscle growth.
Have you taken on a leadership role with your team during the break?
Yes, I’ve been focused on motivating my teammates to keep going and stay committed. Even during the break, I try to lead by example and keep everyone locked in on our goals.
Are you watching or studying any pro or college players for inspiration?
Yes, I’ve been watching Jeremiyah Love for inspiration. I like how he carries himself on the field, and I study his game to pick up on things I can apply to my own.

What’s your favorite part about football that keeps you coming back?
Football feels like both a job and a way of life for me. It helps take away stress, keeps me focused, and gives me a positive outlet that keeps me out of trouble.
How do you deal with pressure and expectations from coaches or peers?
I handle pressure by listening and doing what my coaches ask of me. I trust their guidance and stay focused on doing my job the right way. One coach who’s been with me from the start is Reggie Jones from Heir Academy. He’s always pushed me to be the best running back in the state, and his belief in me motivates me to rise to every challenge.
Are there any teammates you think will have a breakout season next year?
Honestly, I think all of my teammates are ready to have a breakout season. We’ve been putting in the work together, and I believe everyone is going to step up and make an impact.

What college or post-high school football goals do you have?
One of my biggest goals is to break a record. I want to leave a mark wherever I go and show that my hard work and dedication can lead to something great.
Have you been contacted by any recruiters or started thinking about your next steps?
Yes, Tulane University recently offered me a scholarship. It’s exciting to see the hard work paying off, and it’s motivating me to keep pushing toward my goals.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
I’m most excited about going crazy in my 9th grade year. I’ve been putting in the work, and I’m ready to show out and make a name for myself.
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 Volleyball4 days ago
Serving Up Power and Positivity: Spotlight on Volleyball Standout Hannah Edgeworth
-
We Speak AAU Basketball12 hours ago
Future Floor General: Savage F.O.E.’s PG Kyan Mains Is Turning Heads On The AAU Circuit
-
We Speak Football3 days ago
Driven by Purpose: Damari’aee Barrington Prepares to Dominate as a Freshman and Inspire Others
-
We Speak Track And Field1 day ago
Track Talk With Bryson Stubblefield: Sprinting Through Life With Power And Precision