With the high school football season just a few months away, many athletes participate in various camps and showcases as a way to prepare.
This past weekend La Feria running back Darius Hernandez took part in the 2017 Underclassmen Showcase in Corpus Christi. Hernandez was among 25 running backs from across the state and was awarded Most Outstanding Running Back.
In attendance was former University of Texas running back DJ Monroe, who served as an instructor.
—
Q: What was the showcase like and how many other running backs were there?
A: It was a great experience to be able to participate in my first combine alongside 25 other running backs. I was able to learn new techniques and ways to improve my game.
Q: What was the competition like?
A: The competition was really good. Seeing these guys from all over the state of Texas and competing with them pushed me to work harder in everything that we were instructed to do.
Q: What were some things you learned?
A: A few things that I learned were to “trust my feet,” as Coach Monroe emphasized throughout the two-day camp. I also learned new ladder drills that helped me with trusting my feet and, finally, cone drills that involved making certain cuts in different situations in a game.
Q: What was it like working with DJ Monroe?
A: Working with Coach Monroe was an honor especially because he didn’t hesitate to help me with anything I needed. The way he coached and dedicated his time to make everyone a better player, on and off the field, was something that I carried with me after leaving the camp.
Q: Did he give you any tips?
A: Coach Monroe gave us a handful of tips to take home and work on, but one tip he told us was to always “trust your feet” because if we don’t trust our feet, the drills and cuts would be difficult when utilizing them during a workout or an actual game.
Q: How did it feel to be named the camp’s Most Outstanding Running Back?
A: Winning the award was such a blessing because I was nominated by Coach Monroe. To be chosen out of the many competitors that were there is just an amazing feeling, especially hearing my name called and walking up there to receive my award.
