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VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Wide Receiver of the Year Fan Poll
Grace Prep junior wide receiver Kaleb Mathis has been having a successful season so far. Part of his successful season has been winning the VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Wide Receiver of the Year Fan Poll. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with Mathis in an interview ahead of his week 5 matchup.
Rewind
This season has been Mathis' first season with Grace Prep. Last season, Mathis was a part of the Trinity Christian Tigers team where he had a successful season. "The secret to my success last year was that I played my role and did my job. This gave me a lot of the success that I had last year. At TCCH, our team success was built on discipline and the ability to trust and depend on others. I think what separated us from the other teams was the fact that we prepared so well for those other teams. I believe this helped lead us to win another championship."
The offseason can be long and brutal. During the offseason, it could be difficult for any normal teenager to stay focused in their goals. However, for some of the areas top athletes, staying focused isn't difficult- this has proven to be the case with Mathis whose father played in the NFL and gave him incredible advice to live by. "During the offseason staying focused can be very challenging, but I always think about what my dad told me: you get out what you put in. So, if you work on your crafts for hours daily it will pay off in the end," Mathis told VYPE. "I stay focused by having a routine every single day. I have to get better every day to get to where I want to go. Another reason I stay focused is: while you're not working hard there are many others outworking you and it will show on Friday nights."
2021-22 Football Season
With this season being his first season at Grace Prep, Mathis has already made great memories. His favorite so far has been beating a rival team- one that the school hasn't been able to beat in six years. Aside from making memories, though, Mathis has been able to get in the right mindset and focus on the season ahead which has helped him stay focused. "The secret to my success this year is my football IQ. My dad played in the NFL, so I have always had more knowledge of the game than most of the other players. Also, I went to a couple of camps with a lot of good coaches that shared their game with me and helped me add to my toolbox," said Mathis. "My mindset going into this school year is to have my priorities in order," Mathis added. "I need to take care of business in the classroom in order to take care of business on the field."
Grace Prep has started the season with a 3-0 record with big wins over schools like Arlington Oakridge, Coram Deo Academy, and Dallas Covenant. This week, the Lions will face off against Bishop Gorman where they expect to harness another win. "This season I am looking forward to winning a championship at the end of the year," Mathis said. "The goal I have for myself is to have 1,000 receiving yards and at least 15 touchdowns. Our team goal this year is to go undefeated, win a district championship, and a state championship to top it off."
The Future Is Bright
Although Mathis is not yet committed, he has not ruled out the chance of playing football in college. "What I look for in a program is a family and a brotherhood," Mathis told VYPE. "Another thing I will look at in a program is the coaching staff along with facilities as well as an ability to get to the next level. Mathis hopes to major in business in the future.
Coach's Comments
Chad Pegues, Arlington Grace Prep's football coach had only good things to say about Mathis. "Kaleb is a very smart football player with a good understanding of route running," said Pegues. "He has sure hands and has racked up the YAC every game this season. He is only a junior, so he will only get better."
Fun Questions
What is your favorite sports team?"My favorite professional sports team is the Atlanta Falcons."
Who do you look up to as an athlete?
"As an athlete, I look up to Lewis Cine a DB for Georiga University. I look up to Lewis because I got the chance to live with him for a little while and I noticed how hard he works. I love his work ethic and mentality."
If you could go to dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? What would you hope to talk about?
"I would go to dinner with Kobe Bryant and I would want to talk to him about his humbleness and mentality- both things that made him so great."
VYPE DFW Private School Wide Receiver of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors
It's that time of year! With Weeks 1, 2, and 3 in the books for Dallas-Fort Worth area football teams, VYPE DFW is giving you, the fans, a chance to have a say in who all eyes should be watching for the VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Wide Receiver of the Year!
The VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Wide Receiver of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors is now live! Fans will have the chance to vote until Monday, September 20th at 7 p.m.
Please note that the use of voting software or bots will result in a deletion of votes and a potential DQ from the contest. PLEASE try to keep this fair and fun for all involved!
All athlete polls and their content are only associated and created by VYPE Media and its staff. The content is not created or voted on by any corporate sponsor or marketing partner. Please contact VYPE Media directly if you have any questions, comments, or concerns around our Fan Polls.
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