Xavier Hoskins has made University Academy headlines as he’s taken on multiple positions on the football team this fall. So far this season, he has rushed for five touchdowns, caught one, and thrown two as quarterback.
Hoskins started the season as wide receiver for The Co-Op, and then he switched to quarterback for a few games when his team really needed him. The, he went back to playing wide receiver for the final few games.
Throughout the season, he has done whatever his team needed, making continuous improvement along the way.
“We’ve definitely seen Xavier take his performance to the next level. We’ve asked a lot of him (including switching positions), and he has done whatever he can to do what’s best for the team—which is one of the ways he’s shown his quiet leadership,” said Coach Andrew Blakemore, the head football coach.
As he was switching back and forth, Hoskins was able to quickly learn the ins and outs of his new tough position.
“It didn’t take long because I played football [outside of school.] I also watch a lot of it,” Hoskins said.
The road hasn’t always been easy, though. Hoskins has looked up to the players who have come before him as he’s faced challenges along the way. He even remembers some of them from his very first day of football practice as a freshman.
“It was interesting because I couldn’t participate in practice [because I didn’t have equipment or a physical], but I was able to watch the players practice and do what they do,” Hoskins said.
Inspiration and motivation have to come from somewhere. Hoskins said he also looks up to NBA all-star LeBron James because of all the hard work he has put in and because he never gave up.
Aside from the football side of things, Hoskins also puts in other kinds of work off the field.
“Xavier is a quiet leader, but his actions speak for him. He handles his business in the classroom, regularly attends tutoring, presents himself well, rarely complains, and then heads to his job after some of our most difficult practices or games. It’s amazing to see him juggle all of that and still perform at such a high level. I mean it when I say, UA is lucky to have Xavier Hoskins,” Coach Blakemore said.
In the midst of everything, being a student athlete can take a toll on a person’s physical and mental health.
Especially in football, players often get pretty banged and bandaged up. On a day off from football, Hoskins said he likes to relax and recover from bruises or turf burn.
For any future football players out there, Hoskins shared encouraging words.
“Never give up, and keep practicing and perfect what you want to get good at,” he said.
The Gryphons’ next game will be the first round of districts. UA can’t wait to see more growth in Xavier Hoskins as the school year marches on. Football might be coming to a close, but basketball season is just around the corner.