The anticipated play runs through his mind a million times in a matter of seconds. A bead of sweat trickles down his face as he bites his mouthpiece and glues his eyes on the linemen in front of him. As the ball is snapped the field explodes with movement, but everything disappears to running back Sony Michel, except the option play he’s about to run. Reaching the line of scrimmage with the ball in hand, he becomes the target of eleven different men. Seeing nothing but the end zone he breaks tackle after tackle until the whistle is blown and the refs hands go up.
Undoubtedly one of the nation’s top football prospects for the class of 2014, Sony Michel is a man to keep your eye on. Starting on a high school varsity squad in the 8th grade, it didn’t take long for people to realize his innate talent to move the football in his teams favor.
“I was never nervous, I grew up playing with bigger kids” Michel commented
He finished the season with an astonishing 1,825 yards and 20 touchdowns. Not stopping there, he obtained the all-county and all-state titles as well as being ranked the number three running back in the state of Florida. Michel had made his national debut as an established player in his first of five seasons at the high school level.
Running past the final white line, a quick flash of joy --- almost traceless --- comes across his face as he remembers Coach Butler. He then immediately returns to the sideline, letting the crowd do all the celebrating, and prepares for the next play. Eight years ago, football was the furthest thing from Michel’s mind. Favoring the sport of soccer as a child, not many could have foreseen his current success in football. Coach Dennis Butler, Michel’s first football coach, may have been among the few who did. Leading him to the gridiron at eight years old was then unknowingly, going to rewrite his future. Switching from the offensive line after increasing his speed in the first year of football, Michel began his journey as a running back. Years later, while showcasing his talents in 7 on 7 tournaments, American Heritage’s coach spotted his unusual talent and invited him to Spring football practices to test his luck with the team.
“It was 3 long weeks of very sunny intense practices” Michel said
Evidently the ‘3 long weeks’ were short-lived as the benefits to be reaped were just around the corner.
The refs final whistle blows, and American Heritage records another win, with another outstanding performance from the locally renowned athlete. Only recognizing and appreciating the victory for a short while, it’s not long before the team as a whole will begin to focus on the next adversary.
“I treat wins as losses, because even though we won we could have played better. It’s motivation to work harder” Michel said.
What is seemingly the perfect athletes’ mindset didn’t come easily. Michel realizes the position he’s in, and classifies it as a great opportunity.
“I know not many people get the chance to be recruited early” he said.
Michel says that his work ethic has changed greatly in the past year. The will to want it is there, and growing every day. He never accredits himself for his physical talent, but says it’s God-given, and the rest just comes along. Self-willed to get better, Michel says he ‘goes hard’ every chance he can get. Always looking for somewhere to get better, he trains hard and keeps his body healthy.
Sony Michel’s future holds vivid promises of success. With nowhere to go but up, this is truly a young athlete to write in the books. Dazzling anyone who is blessed to watch him play, it’s assured he will pop up again in the future as the best as what he does. Michel’s favorite quote proves true in his life. “Opportunities are not lost, they are taken.”
By: Danielle Lyn
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