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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."
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dallas Christian phenom, Speedy Nettles, commits to Purdue
As more and more athletes announce their commitments to college programs, some of the best in the area are carefully considering their next chapter. Dallas Christian School three-star cornerback, William "Speedy" Nettles took to social media to announce his commitment earlier this summer. Following his announcement, VYPE DFW caught up with the athlete in an exclusive interview regarding his decision to commit and his time with the Chargers' football program so far:
As a sophomore with Dallas Christian, Nettles played two-way snaps while recording 67 tackles (four for a loss), two interceptions, and one touchdown. After putting in extra work to fine-tune his ability, his junior season saw the benefits of hard work and dedication to his craft as he 18-205-3 in rushing as well as 58-1 and 455-20 in receiving. On the defensive end of the ball, Nettles tallied 42 tackles (two for a loss), six interceptions (three of which were pick-sixes), two fumble recoveries, and one punt return for a TD. Nettles capped his junior season with a TAPPS State Championship.
After an official visit in June, it wasn't long before Nettles decided that he wanted to commit to the Boilmakers program. VYPE DFW Caught up with him regarding his decision:
Making the decision to leave home isn't always an easy one. What impacted your decision to choose Purdue's program when considering a college football career?
"I have a good relationship with Coach Carter and it was my decision to go out of state to play football for him and Coach Walters in the Big 10. I also want to further my education at a prestigious university like Purdue."
What has been your favorite memory with Dallas Christian School football so far?
"My favorite memory has been winning a championship alongside a great coaching staff and awesome teammates."
What professional athlete do you look up to and why?
"I look up to Aquib Talib. He is not only one of the best cornerbacks to ever play, but he has helped out the community so much and made an influence on me as a player as well."
What has been your biggest accomplishment during your high school career so far?
"My biggest accomplishment has to be finally committing to a school after all my hard work."
What goals do you have for next season?
"My goals next season are to have a bigger impact on the defensive side and stay connected through the whole year and win another championship."
Do you have a game day routine that you stick to?
"My routine just consists of listening to music and praying before every game."
What do you do in the offseason to ensure that your skills are sharp and ready to go for the season ahead?
"I lift in the summer and do a lot of flexibility exercises to maintain flexibility. I also do a lot of technical training for my positions to make sure I improve in areas that I felt were flawed the previous season. I want to go into the season bigger, faster, stronger, and better."
What is your mindset as you go into each new season?
"My mindset is to always want and strive to win while staying consistent. I will do anything to help my team win another championship. There is no secret to success, everything happens for a reason and happens through hard work, dedication to the game, as well as being in love with the process. Embracing the pain and hard days builds discipline."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your team's success?
"My team's success counts on sticking together as a team on and off the field, holding each other accountable, and staying competitive; trying to make each other better."