Eric came to us as a scrawny freshman that NEVER saw the game field. He simply was not a very good football player. I know this sounds harsh, but that should be known because it sheds light onto the great young man that he has become as a senior.

After his freshman season, Eric devoted himself to North Side Football in every facet. He did not miss off-season workouts. His speed and strength gains were comparable to the best players in our program. He attended camps on his own to improve his skills (which is rare for our community). And he had managed to maintain a GPA over a 3.0 the entire time. Although his work ethic was superior, Eric still was not a good enough football player to find the field.

He watched reserve games as a sophomore and finally earned limited duty at QB as a Junior. He was the second string reserve QB behind a talented Sophomore.

THIS DID NOT PHASE ERIC!

He rolled up his sleeves and worked harder. He made our Elite 11 club this past summer (our best 11 players based on team rank in strength, speed and agility tests), a testament to his work ethic. Yet, he still was not good enough to be our starting QB. Again, did not phase him.

I was personally inspired when the team voted Eric to be a team captain, the first time in my 6 years as a head coach that a non-starter had ben selected by his team mates. This speaks volumes of how Eric has inpired his team to be better through his dedication and committed as a student and a football player.