Talking With Minooka's Athlete Playmaker Steven Gonzalez Jr. Class Of 2020
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for lllinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Steven Gonzalez Jr. Class of 2020 Minooka ATH 5'9 165
HUDL
Steven Gonzalez how was your 2018 season?
It was good. We set high goals for the season. Our record was 7-3. Unfortunately, we lost in the first round against Loyola Academy, so going forward to this year, we are ready to put in the work and go all the way. In 2018, I made SPC all conference. I started on both sides of the ball and played specials. I was on the field for most of the game, and I did whatever I could for the sake of the team.
What do you say to people that underestimate you because of your size?
I don’t let that stuff bother me. I can only control what I can control. I was never the biggest in any sport I played (football, baseball, basketball), but I proved myself and excelled in every single one. I can control much strength, my speed, my passion for the game and what I give on every single play. When coaches see my film and how I play, my size will not be a factor.
What does football mean to you?
Football is a sport that I love. It is a passion of mine. It teaches me life lesson skills such as how to deal with adversity and how to work with others. It also teaches me about discipline and structure. All of these things will carry over into my life and make me a better person.
How does Minooka look for this upcoming season?
The upcoming season for Minooka looks very promising. We have a lot of returning players on both sides of the ball. All that looks good on paper but we still need to come out and play every Friday night. We can’t take any team lightly. SPC is a tough conference already, and now we added two teams that are very good at football as well. There is a lot of excitement going on in Minooka due to having a lot of returning players, new weight room facilities, and a new football field coming.
What would you like college coaches to know about you?
I want college coaches to know that I am coachable. I work hard at all times, and I am a team player. I take pride in what I do on and off the field. I am a student of the game. I watch a lot of film so I can learn about my opponent in order to get myself prepared and put myself in the best position for the team. I also work hard in school to be the best student athlete I can be.
What does "Senior Season" mean to you?
Senior Season to me is everything. It will be the last time I play Friday night lights, wear the Minooka uniform, and play with my brothers that I have played with since first grade. I want to leave my mark at Minooka High School. When someone relates me with Minooka, I want them to say he gave everything he had on the field, and that he was not only a good athlete, but a great person.
Coach Big Pete's Take
Steven Gonzalez is that kid that will do anything and everything to help his team win. He makes the team around him better, do not let his size fool you!!!
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