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For four years, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal has provided the Coaches Roundtable, getting insight from the 19 head football coaches in Caddo and Bossier Parish, and that will continue this fall.
Additionally, we are launching the SBJ Players Panel, giving the young men on the field a voice off the field. The first edition provides a self-scout, with players describing themselves.
The opening questions: describe yourself as a player, as a teammate, and as a student?
Jakerrious Smith, Green Oaks, LB, Edge
“I’m a playmaker. I cause disruption to the quarterback and the whole offensive line. They cannot stop me – nobody in the city.
“I’m a teammate who’s going to lead, help, and when somebody is down, I’m going to push them back up. Nobody will be down on my team. If there’s one second on the clock, and the game is on the line, I’m going to sack the quarterback and we will win the game.
“I have a 3.5 GPA, 27 on my ACT. I’m great in the classroom. I’m kind of a teacher’s pet. I love teachers so much. I take what they give me and learn from it.”
Bennett Speer, Evangel, LB
“I’m just a really physical guy. No matter what the score is, I’m going to give you my 100 percent effort. No matter how my body feels, I’m going to give you my best every snap. There’s some games where we get a stop and our offense then scores a touchdown on the next play. We’re right back on the field. It gets tiring, but I love it.
“I’m a guy who wants the best from everyone. I’m going to push you to be your best, and if you’re not, I’m going to call you out, but it’s out of love and not hate. I want you to be the best you can be.”
“I’m a friendly person. I have to get my grades right.”
Conrad Hilliard, Byrd, DE
“I can make a play on any given night. One thing I have improved is my pass rushing. I’ve gotten faster and stronger over the summer. There are a lot of good QBs and receivers in our district so a pass rush is extremely important for defenses.
“I really try to be a leader. I set an example for these younger guys because I want to leave Byrd better than I found it. I want these younger dudes to remember me as a good guy, a good teammate, who on the field would get after it.
“I’m a good student, National Honor Society.”
Jamarcus Hooper, Green Oaks ,WR/FS
“Jamarcus Hooper as a football player is unstoppable, confident, and I feel great about what I can do. I’m fast and strong. Even though I look small (160 pounds), I’m very strong. Don’t let this size fool you. I run a 4.5 40.
“I feel confident as a leader. I want all the little dogs, all of our younger teammates, I want to lead them up so once I leave, they will be doing great things and be better than me.”
“I have a 3.5 overall GPA and a 22 ACT.”
Kendrall Johnson, Booker T. Washington, WR
“I’m just me. I go out there and play. I’ll be chilling, but when it comes time to play, I play. Action’s doing the talking. I’ll play here and there, but mostly, I’ll do the work.
“Leadership means getting the younger ones to do better. Make sure none of them quit, fight, never lay down. It’s just like looking after your little brother. Just keep pushing them, and keep God up front.”
Braydon Cummings, Huntington, LB/RB
“This will be my first time playing both sides of the ball. I’m very, very energetic. I know how to get to the ball as a linebacker. I like to view myself as a leader on the field. I like to direct. My speed and my explosiveness are the main attributes I have.
“I’m big on leadership. I like leading by example. I want guys to lock in. I’m loud on that field. I like to hype up my teammates. I’m very energetic.
“School comes first. I have a 3.7 GPA and I hope to bump it up this year.”