Earl Melebeck '25 Recruiting Profile

The definition of Perseverance is continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. This is the word that best describes me and my football career up to this point. I’ll tell you why.  About 4 years ago when I was in 8^th grade, I tried out for my middle school football team. This was my first time trying out and playing organized football.  All throughout Elementary School from 1^st grade up until this point, I played AAU basketball. I had speed and quickness, therefore; wanted to try another sport to utilize my talents. My friends laughed and said I was too small, plus I had never played organized football.  They said it would be difficult and they doubt I would receive any playing time even if I made the team. This made me want to try out even more. I tried out and made the B Team. For the next month, my father who played college football, worked with me on my footwork, tackling, speed, and agility every day. My friends were correct about not seeing much playing time the first few games. By the third game of the year, I had not played much when the first- and second-string receivers became injured.  They put me in the game, and I scored on a long pass play.  I scored 2 more touchdowns that game. The fourth game I was the starting wide receiver. During this game, the safety got hurt and they put me on defense.  I made a tackle and hit a player so hard he had to leave the game.  I also intercepted the ball and almost scored. By the fourth game I was starting on both offense and defense. I had a great first season of playing football. The next year (9^th grade) I made the A team and was the starting corner back.  I had another great year. Reflecting on the beginning of my short football career my father said, “Son , eventually your perseverance paid off and you earned the starting spot on the A Team.  This was the first time someone used perseverance to describe my determination.  After my 9^th grade season, the coach put me on varsity, and I began working with the varsity team during spring ball. That summer my family moved from Argyle, Texas to Willis, Texas.  I was disappointed because I knew I had to prove my self again. I started working out with the team late during the summer before my 10^th grade year. The coach put me on Junior Varsity. Initially I wasn’t starting but by the third game I was starting corner and receiver and had a great year. I had to show and prove to the coaches I could play. My father said there is your perseverance showing again. My 11^th grade year I made varsity and was in the starting rotation for corner back. The first 3 games I made several great plays including an interception. After the third game during practice, I dislocated my shoulder. I had to sit out for 4 games to let my injury heel. I wanted to continue to play; therefore, I went through intensive rehabilitation. After sitting out the four games, the coach eased me back slowly into the rotation and I played the final few games of the year. My team won its first two playoff games and lost in the state semifinals. Even with limited playing time because of my injury, I was awarded All District Honorable Mention, as well as All District Academic.  At the end of the year, I heard the word again. Both my defensive back coach and my parents both said, “Earl, your perseverance willed you back on the field to play in the playoff games.” I’m looking forward to a great Senior Year as the starting cornerback for the Willis WildKats. They say perseverance, sometimes referred to as “GRIT”, is the great leveler. Despite setbacks and obstacles, I have shown steadfastness in doing something despite how hard it is, developing my own sense of “GRIT”.   This is who I am and will always be.