In the world of high school sports, the phrase "Trust the Process" has become synonymous with the grind to reach the college level. It encourages students and athletes to keep working hard and trust that the results will come with time and effort. That level of trust is hard to achieve on one's own. Trust can falter in the face of the challenges and hardships that come with trying to earn a college scholarship. This is why I chose God to be my faith, my foundation, and the one I trust with my future. To develop my relationship with God, my family and I decided to enroll me at The Rock School. I know that decision succeeded in furthering my faith, however, that came with unforeseen consequences. 

On the morning of what would have been my first high school football game, I was declared ineligible. This was a result of a high school participation rule that conflicted with my enrollment at The Rock School. Instead of giving into darker emotions, I redefined myself. I re-evaluated and worked on making changes in my life that would benefit me forever, even though I spent the year without a football team. The extra time was used to develop myself academically, athletically, and spiritually, with my time at The Rock becoming even more invaluable.

The Rock School allowed me to develop a lot of great personal relationships. I was able to attend a weekly church service. I was welcomed to be a part of the theatrical community and I was asked to play on The Rock's varsity basketball team. Even though I didn't think I would like it at first, I attended a discipleship class, which became one of my favorite parts of my Rock experience.

Leading into my sophomore year, to continue my participation in The Rock community, it became necessary to play football at a location outside of the county. Sometimes, the plan God has for you isn't reflected in some of life's experiences. I soon realized that my sophomore year as a quarterback wasn't going to be the experience I'd hoped for. Again, my faith was challenged and I had to overcome a difficult situation. 

Another year was gone, and I had no football home. Now, I was presented with another difficult decision. I had to find a place to play football that would give me an opportunity to show what I was capable of. With little time left to earn that scholarship, I had to get it right this time.

Then, God gave me Gainesville High School and the Hurricanes (Canes). I previously would not have considered a program like Gainesville High because of the difficulties they were having in the past two seasons, but then we learned about the quality of the coaches and players that would be part of the 2024 football program. When I finally arrived, unlike my previous year, it was like coming home to my family. There were familiar faces that were happy to have me there and the unfamiliar faces I quickly became close to. Amongst those new teammates, I found a do-it-all Superman, an explosive, play-making C4, and a preacher whose words inspire me. I'll be forever grateful for the unsung and often unappreciated martial artists of my offensive line that allow all of us to succeed. There are so many quality Canes, new and old, that I've come to share the field with. In particular, it makes me proud to be part of a resurrection of a program whose firm foundation is built upon the loyalty of the Canes who have been there through the tough times. I know how difficult it is to keep digging in when times are tough; they did that and have earned every bit of respect and admiration that may come their way.

Unlike the last few years, when my faith has been tested, the difference now is that when I wake up at 3 am to start my day, I feel lucky, and I don't wonder why I keep going. I trust in God's process. Turns out He is always right.