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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Parish Episcopal star QB, Sawyer Anderson, commits to Purdue
Stepping into the pocket for the successful Parish Episcopal Panthers isn't an easy role to take on. Entering the team as a freshman in the fall of 2021, Sawyer Anderson was more than ready to prove his ability to his coaches and his team. Soaring to a leadership role on the team, Anderson has been impactful in many victories as well as TAPPS State Championship titles. VYPE DFW caught up with the Panthers' quarterback following his recent commitment to play football at Purdue:
A key contributor in two of four consecutive state championships, Anderson has made a name for himself on the field. In two seasons with Parish he has recorded 6081 passing yards and 69 touchdown passes while rushing for four touchdowns and 242 yards. With great success already, Anderson is looking toward his junior season. VYPE DFW talked to him about his time with Parish so far, his goals, and his commitment to Purdue. Check out the exclusive interview below.
It's not easy making a decision to commit to a college program. What went into your decision? What was the biggest impact when choosing Purdue?
"The main thing that went into my decision when choosing Purdue was the relationships with the coaches; the way they stayed in contact with me while recruiting me felt comfortable to me. Their offense relates to the offense that I'm using right now in high school as well."
What has been your favorite memory at Parish Episcopal so far?
"Winning two state championships my freshman and sophomore year with my brother. He played defense for us and that was really awesome."
Who is a professional athlete that you look up to? Why?
"A professional athlete I look up to is my granddad who played running back for the Packers and my dad who played baseball for the Colorado Rockies. They are role models to me and they teach me everything that I know."
What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in your high school career so far?
"Probably the two state championships. Those were big deals; we are on our fourth right now and going for the fifth."
Do you have a game day routine that you typically stick to?
"I don't really have one that I stick to, but I listen to calm music before the game and stay locked in."
What do you do in the off-season to prepare for the season ahead?
"I lift, eat, and throw with my receivers to build my connections with them. It pays off in the season."
What is your mindset headed into the new season?
"Stay level-headed. I know we have a lot of pressure on us, but we just need to play our game."
What are your goals this season?
"My goals are to win the district for sure. Go 5-0 in non-district and win a fifth state championship."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your and your team's success?
"Becoming a family. We're with each other probably 10 months out of the year. We start right back up after the season ends with off-season workouts and we're with each other pretty much every day. My success has been from leading the team and being a role model for others; not getting too high or too low in tough situations."
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: McKinney North stand-out DE, Zion Carter, commits to Lamar University
As the 2023-24 football season gets underway, athletes across the metroplex are still making decisions about their future. McKinney North stand-out defensive end, Zion Carter, recently announced his commitment to play football at Lamar University following his senior season. VYPE DFW caught up with the Bulldog regarding his decision in an exclusive interview:
Impactful on the field and a key contributor to McKinney North's defense, Carter has been focused on leaving a mark on the Bulldogs' program. With his senior season ahead, Carter is ready to make big plays and get the job done. Check out his exclusive interview with VYPE DFW below!
It's not easy making a decision to commit to a college program. What went into your decision? What was the biggest impact when choosing Lamar University?
"Lamar is an excellent school. It was the best decision for me to get on the field and have an opportunity to play as a true freshman. It was also a chance for me to get a good education."
What has been your favorite memory at McKinney North so far?
"My favorite memory at my school as of now is when my brothers (teammates) and I all hung out without any coaches or anyone telling us to."
Who is a professional athlete that you look up to? Why?
"A professional athlete I look up to is my cousin, Mekhi Garner. Makhi taught me that there will be ups and downs in your career, but you just have to find a way and trust God."
What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in your high school career so far?
"My biggest accomplishment in my high school career has been leadership. I had to step up early. After the 2022 class left, I took the leadership role during my sophomore season during the offseason. After that, I progressed as a leader and as a player. I set high expectations for myself as a leader because I still want the best for my team."
Do you have a game day routine that you typically stick to?
"My game day routine mainly consists of lots of music. Music on game days is a true necessity for me."
What do you do in the off-season to prepare for the season ahead?
"I mainly prepare my mental state because, as a leader, you can't show yourself being tired. I prepare my goals. Every off-season, I set a weight goal and a max goal that I want to reach."
What is your mindset headed into the new season?
"My mindset is that I will put my foot on the gas every time I step on the field. Don't let up until the game is over. Every single game."
What are your goals this season?
"My goals this season are to lead the district in sacks and tackles-for-a-loss. I'd also like to earn First Team All-District and Defensive Player of the Year honors."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your and your team's success?
"There's no secret. We come to practice every day and every afternoon. We grind our butts off for the Friday night games. My success is based on how I lead my team."