I always seem to be having conversations with our student athletes at school about what it takes to make it to a big time college for athletics - mainly football. Each year the freshmen find it hard to grasp how talented these Division I athetes are and the discipline and competitive drive that they possess.
I am a fan of Notre Dame Football and I was reading an article on a recent commit named Ronald Darby and I think it illustrates my point. Darby is one of the top recruits in the nation and plays defensive back and running back in high school, although he is being recruited as a DB. He has run a blistering time of 21.24 in the 200 meter race. From the article:
Darby started running track his 9th grade year following the football season. Track became a tool that could help him on the field.Here is a video from YouTube of him at an international track competition. It's a bit long and he looks to come in 3rd.
"I am just trying to run as fast as I can so I can use it on the field. Track helps me (stay in shape and) keeps me competitive, and I love to compete. It helps me stay competitive for football season."
Do you think he doesn't come to practice every day (both mentally and physically) and compete?
On his commitment to Notre Dame:
They care about the students and the players. It is a special place that will take care of me for the next fifty years not just the next four. No matter what happens with football I will have a Notre Dame education.This speaks volumes about his approach to his academics. I don't have any doubt that he will be successful in life beyond football. It's nice to see talented kids that get it. Do you?
Junior Year Highlights.
All-American Ronald Darby - Kristen Kenney - Scout.com (subscription required)
Darby Talks Notre Dame Visit And Commitment - John Wallpher - Scout.com (subscription required)
