A Player with High Aspirations

by Nicholas Humble

October 20, 2009 - Neville High wide receiver, Brandon Calhoun, has been playing football since he was a small child. “I’ve been playing football since flag, and that was around 6 years old,” Calhoun said. “We didn’t have Pop Warner, so it’s tackle one, tackle two, junior high and then high school.”

He learned the game of football from his dad. “My younger years when we were playing flag and tackle one in elementary, my dad was the coach. We learned the fundamentals of football and learned how to play.”

Calhoun looks up to his dad and feels that his dad has had a huge impact on the person he has become. “He’s always there. He pushes me and wants me to be the best.”

Calhoun’s being pushed to do his best has led to success on the football field and high aspirations for the 2009 season. “At least get 40 catches at the end of the year. Hopefully win a state championship for my team and have a successful senior season,” Calhoun said. He also wants to become closer with his teammates. “I want to get better chemistry with the players and build friendships.”

Although Calhoun likes LSU, after his senior season he hopes to play for TCU. “I would love to play at TCU. I like the way they run their offense, and I feel like I would fit in.”

As for now, Calhoun enjoys playing in front of his home fans. “I like to be around our fans and just be in our environment.” His most memorable game came against West Monroe. “I caught a couple of passes to get first downs when we really needed them.”

His favorite NFL team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. “They like to smashmouth. They are real aggressive. I’ve been liking them for a couple of years now.” His favorite athlete is Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. “I love the way he works. He works to be the best on the field and be the best at his position.”

Calhoun’s knowledge of football has grown with each year he has played. Some of Calhoun’s favorite plays to run are slants. “Most of the time I am open, and if I get it, I’m gonna either score or get a whole bunch of yards.”

He likes to vacation in Destin. “I love the beach, love to see the ocean and love to have a room right on the beach.” He is also a very social person, and he enjoys hanging out with friends.

His best quality is his personality. “I can make people laugh and make friends real easy.” The one thing he could bring to any team he plays for is his hard work and determination. “I’m a good person, very coachable, do what I’m told, and I have a good work ethic,” Calhoun said.

Calhoun’s passion for football lies within the physicality of the sport. “It’s physical, and all other sports are not as physical as football. You have to have a certain mentality to play football. Everybody can’t play it.”