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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."
Atascocita's Edwards becomes most recent Houston-area NBA Draftee
From Atascocita High School, to Purdue University and now the next step of his basketball journey has been decided on where he will go.
Carsen Edwards is heading to the Boston Celtics.
"It's special to me," Edwards told VYPE. "This took a lot of time, work and sacrifices. This is just the beginning but just to be here is just a blessing. It feels good."
Edwards, who was a scoring machine at Atascocita and Purdue, was selected with the 33rd overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Boston Celtics.
Former @AHS_Eagle_BBall star @Cboogie_3 talks with VYPE after being drafted by the Sixers and traded to the @celtics in the 2019 #NBADraft19
(@HumbleISD_AHS @HumbleISD_Ath @HumbleISD @abc13sports @abc13houston @BobSlovak13 @ToddFreed57 @KPRC2RandyMc @KPRC2AdamW @DTGoteraKHOU) pic.twitter.com/yK4h79jbBR
— VYPE Houston (@vypehouston) June 21, 2019
Last season, Edwards entered the NBA Draft before decided to pull his name out and return to Purdue for another season. During the NCAA Tournament this year, Edwards caught fire being named the Most Outstanding Player in the South Region, averaging 35 points in just four games. On two occasions, Edwards scored 42 points in the tournament.
Edwards celebrated this night in Kingwood in the lobby of the Courtyard Marriott, so that he could be surrounded by family and friends when his phone rang.
"That was most important to me," Edwards said. "Was finding a way to have everyone surrounding me were people that had been there with me and would continue to pull for me regardless of what happened tonight."
Edwards is just the most recent in the line of Houston-area stars to make it to the NBA, joining former Cy Lakes and Kentucky star De'Aaron Fox, who was taken in the first round of the 2017 draft, and Jarred Vanderbilt, who was a second-round pick in the 2018 draft and now plays for the Denver Nuggets.
For the kid from Atascocita now heading to Boston, Edwards said his advice to current high school players is simple - just put in the time.
"In the end, if you really want something and you put the time in, it'll be worth it in the end," Edwards said. "Just continue to work. I just hope dudes like me that may be the underdog, may not have all the hype, may not have everything that a normal basketball player has gives them hope. Just know that it's possible."