Xavier Crocker, Hanover Hawks
Year: Sophomore
Age: 15
Position: Cornerback
Performance: Crocker tallied six tackles, three for loss and took an interception back 30 yards for a TD in a 34-16 win over Patrick Henry. He also forced and recovered a fumble.
On PH game: "We've been prepping for PH for a long time. Since about January. That week or two weeks, we've been repping out the plays that we thought they would run. We were just really prepared."
Difference from freshman year: "Last year I was just trying to do whatever I could do to help the team. This year I have high expectations set for myself. Just trying to help the seniors get the victory any way that we can."
Lineage: Crocker's dad, Travis played football at the University of Richmond. Crocker also has two uncles who played Division I-A football. Lamont at the University of Virginia and Sean at North Carolina. Sean was drafted by the NFL and played for a couple of teams. "My uncle and dad have talked about [Xavier playing football in college]. Not really D-I, but go as far as I can go.
"Just work in the summer and if I go D-I, D-II, whatever. I jut put the work in and do what they tell me."
Funniest teammate: "Has to be
Blake Jones. Blake is just crazy. Pretty funny."
Favorite subject: "History."
One thing most wouldn't know: "That unlike most people my age I like to hang around the family. Unlike most teenagers, I'd rather hang out with my family."
Best sports moment: "I was 12 years old playing midget football and our team went to the Richmond City championship." His Hotchkiss Eagles team beat Bellemeade, who was previously undefeated.
If he could meet any three people: "I never met any of my grandfathers, I know they had to be good in sports with my uncles and my father.
Chad Ochocinco, that's my favorite player, and
Lil Wayne."
Best trait: "I think I use my athletic ability and leadership. Not a spoken leader but how I carry myself on the field. They see me going 100 percent and push me to play hard, too."
On Hanover's success: "It all starts in January when you start lifting. You have anywhere from 60 to 70 guys in the weight room EVERY DAY. We work hard. We try to do our best every time we're in those white lines."
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Stephen M. Lewis