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By Nelson Constantino
Center Director
Velocity Sports Performance, Wall, NJ
Welcome back everyone to “VSP Watch”. You know, every time I think I have my finger on the pulse of the Shore Conference football scene I get proven wrong….again! There were some crazy games this past weekend with last minute wins turned in by Manalapan, Lacey, & Central. Congratulations to you!
It’s time to announce this week's “Velocity Athlete to Watch” and I know I’ve told you all I like to pick out the bruisers and players that don’t usually get recognition but I couldn’t help myself with this selection. Jesse Raymond, running back from Raritan High School, has announced himself to the Shore Conference Football scene in just the first 2 weeks of the season. Follow a Raritan game and pay attention. He’ll be the guy running for big chunks of yardage whenever he touches the ball. I’ve seen first hand the work he put in during the preseason in order to reach his goals this season. And even if he isn’t a big offensive or defensive lineman, he’s gained my respect.
We recently caught up with Jesse:
JESSE RAYMOND, RARITAN HS, JUNIOR, RB
Velocity: What are your thoughts on your personal 242 yard rushing day last week?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): I worked real hard in practice all week. Coach really prepared us where I felt I knew where the holes were going to be. Oh and you don’t do anything without your O-line. They opened up the holes. I just hit them as hard as I could.
Velocity: How did you first get into football and when did you know it was something you wanted to keep playing?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): Well I didn’t start playing Pop Warner until the Pee Wee level because I was to big and heavy for Mitey Mite but I just loved it as soon as I stepped on the field. The physical part of the game and being able to hit people without getting in trouble got me stuck.
Velocity: What is your best memory of your career so far?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): It’s close. I was really excited my first varsity game sophomore year against St. John Vianney. But my career rushing high of 242 against St. John Vianney is a close 2nd.
Velocity: Who is the toughest individual you’ve played against?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): I have a few here. Chris Mayo, linebacker from St. John Vianney always gives me a hard time. Last year the whole Barnegat defense popped me good a few times. And even Mark Cogliano, our Raritan linebacker, likes to bring it in practice everyday.
Velocity: Who is your funniest teammate?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): Wayne Cogliano and our wide receiver Bennett Jackson crack me up
Velocity: What is your favorite internet site? (Besides www.digitalsports.com)
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): Probably YouTube and I’m a MySpace guy too.
Velocity: What is your favorite food?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): Lasagna
Velocity: Why do you love your sport?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): Again, being able to take all your week long aggression out on Friday night makes it all worth it.
Velocity: I know you have some big team goals this year but what are some of your individual goals?
Jesse Raymond (Raritan): I’d love to try and get 1500 yards this year with the start I’ve had. But I’ll give all the individual stuff up for a shot at a state title. That’s always the ultimate goal.
Nelson Constantino | Center Director
Velocity Sports Performance
1800 Route 34 N, Bldg. 3 | Wall Twp, NJ, 07719
732.280.2025| Fax:
732.449.4369
http://www.velocitysp.com/wall
