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Our Diamond In The Rough section is designed to highlight skilled athletes that maybe flying under the radar that have the potential to play at the next level. Today we will be highlighting Braelon Hobson (@HobsonBraelon), Catholic High- BR’s starting DE class of 2021.
Braelon is one of the most explosive and dynamic Defensive Ends that I have covered. He has raw talent, a tremendous motor, and is extremely violent at the point of contact. Being at Catholic High in Baton Rouge, LA, a 5A powerhouse in Louisiana with several State Championships under their belts, he had to patiently wait his turn. With no time to waste Braelon trained relentlessly throughout the off-season and summer, vastly improving technique, footwork, power, and explosiveness. This season Braelon has been a big asset to the Bears defense racking up sacks, TFLs, and QB hurries all while maintaining a 3.0 gpa in the classroom. Because of Braelon’s work in the off-season, creating a buzz at camps this summer and his production on the field so far this year, has gained the attention of several college coaches.
We had the opportunity to sit down with the man himself and ask a few questions about, the game he loves, his life, and future goals.
•What age did you start playing football?
12 years old
•What is one thing you want to accomplish during your high school career?
Putting my self in the best position possible with academics and athletics. Be seen and known for what I can do on and off the field and to continue to help build our schools great program.
•What is your biggest accomplishment in football this far?
I haven’t reached my accomplishments yet, but my goal is to make it to the NFL, in my mind that is where I want to be and not hesitating and keep pushing to accomplish this goal. I try to set small goals, some I succeed in and get done but when I fail and frustration sets in I try to stay focus on my goals and work until I reach them.
•Has playing football ever help with personal problems off the field?
Yes, football gives you a place where your abilities can speak for you. Other peoples opinions shouldn’t matter but football is a way of proving people wrong and proving something to yourself at the same time. I used this confidence on and off the field.
•During your football career have you had to overcome any obstacles or difficulties?
Yes, At the beginning of my sophomore year, I dislocated my left shoulder 4 times, resulting in my labrum to tear. The entire lower half of my labrum was hanging off my rotator cuff. I chose to get surgery, over trying to play the season with it. 8 months, I was unable to move my arm. Watching my teammates play the sport we all loved, fighting for the next game. I felt like I couldn’t fight with them, that I didn’t put in the work they did. This put me in a place where I was second guessing even playing football. After reflection, talking to my parents, and just thinking about how much I love the sport i realized that i could never quit.
•What do you love the most about football?
The “box” . Where the defensive Line, linebackers, , offensive Line, quarterback and running backs line up. The absolute most action happens there and it’s the beginning of every play. I love the action!
•Have there been times in the past where you felt like quitting? What motivated you to keep going?
My Injury time was a killer. Watching my teammates play the sport we all loved, fighting for the next game. I felt like I couldn’t fight with them, that I didn’t put in the work they did. This put me in a place where I was second guessing even playing football. After reflection, talking to my parents, and just thinking about how much I love the sport I realized that I could never quit. More important than all of that was that my team needed me.
•Who you consider football to be harder mentally or physically?
Mentally, because being younger you can heal faster, but the stress you put on your body can’t be handled if you are not mentally strong. It requires both but you definitely have to be mentally strong.
•How do you handle wins and losses?
Wins I’ll celebrate then look for where I could’ve done better. Losses start with frustration, sleep, then immediately look at what went wrong and what I could’ve done better to help my team.
•What or who motivated you to start playing the game of football?
You could hit another person, not get in trouble, and your coaches and team mates would be happy about it lol.
•In what ways do you show your leadership on and off the field?
Motivation others to be be better than myself.
•Describe yourself in one word?
Hype!
•How long did it take for you to realize you where above average at football?
When I realized others guys who could really play made comparison of me to themselves and the way people kept supporting me to keep going because I was so good.
•What can you work on to better yourself as a player and person?
Being able to look at my mistakes objectively and correct those mistakes.
•What NFL Defensive End would you say your style resembles most?
For defensive end Khalil Mack, because of his creativity in his style, I try to apply his strengths and look into expanding my skill set and role to outside linebacker and edge rusher.
•What advice would you give a young athlete would wanted to play football?
Don’t shy away and don’t put yourself with guys that don’t want to work. Always motivate others to push and get better and always outwork everybody!
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GRIDIRON STORY
Diamond In The Rough: Braelon Hobson
