Anthony Addotta '21 Recruiting Profile

I started playing football when I was 7 years old.  When I walked on the field, the coach said "we got a big one".  That day, I was hooked on the game.

I've always been the "big one" on the field.  I was always stronger, bigger, and I always played both sides of the line, for the entire game.  I live breathe eat this game.  It's like second nature and it comes so easy.  So, it seemed natural that in 9th grade, I would be moved to Varsity.   Man, that's exciting.   I guess I probably have that in common with a lot of other players.

What wasn't exciting was sitting on the sidelines for most of the game.  It was my first realization that being big and tall wasn't everything.  I worked hard all the time in practice, but this was an "aha" moment that I had to work even harder as I got older.  Being on the sidelines was probably one of the best things to happen to me, because nothing is a given, and if I wanted to be on that field, I had to work harder and longer than anyone else. 

Academically, I have to work harder than others.   Football comes easy.  Academics, not so much.  Again, another blessing in disguise.    Having to work harder than most at certain classes gives me some humility (and hopefully a little bit of success).   

So what makes me a good candidate for your team?  I take nothing for granted.  I know that every game should be played like it's against your toughest opponent and you're the underdog.  I know that you are only as good as the last game.  Records don't win games.  Hard work, endurance, never give up attitude, and grit win games.  

One more thing that makes a winner.   It's easy when you win.  Who doesn't want to win?  But when you lose, then what.   What do you need?  Character.  Character is what you show when you lose or are losing, when you want to give up, a bad call is made, or a bunch of other things.  Character is what you do when no one is looking.   Are you playing unti l the last second of the 4th quarter or did you give up already?   

I have a story about character and playing until the last second of the game.  I'd love to tell it to you.