Nic Strong is one of the best players from the Huntsville, AL area in the Class of 2023.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Strong, who attends Randolph School and has been offered by Tennessee, is a dynamic player that works as a running back and defensive back.
Strong has earned plenty of recognition during his career, such as Max West Male Athlete of the Year, All Region Honorable Mention, and All City Honorable Mention.
Strong is humbled by the accolades.
“I am honored, but they just mean I have to work harder. I can never allow myself to become satisfied. I have too much football left to play and I haven't reached my peak yet,” Strong said. “So they just mean I have work to do. More to accomplish.”
In 10 games last season, Strong amassed 741 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground, while also adding two touchdown receptions.
No matter the opponent, every game Strong is determined to give it his all.
Strong is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Strong steps between the lines.
“My mindset is to play my game and move on to the next play. That's it. I don't try to compete with anyone but myself. So I'm constantly trying to outplay my last play. Outwork my last training session. Maximize each touch, each rep. Give everything,” Strong said. “And then it doesn't matter if you're tired, bruised up, scored or fumbled. You have to still be ready for the next play and bring it.”
Strong has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the field. Strong tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I've loved it since I was 5. I'm a football player. What's not to love about the game?” Strong said. “Football is life!”
Strong has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
“You have to be willing to sacrifice to be a better player, teammate, student, person,” Strong said.
Strong shares his favorite memory of playing football.
“Well, I have a lot of favorite memories playing, but July 16, 2020 is by far my favorite memory. That was the day I received my first offer from the University of Tennessee,” Nic Strong said. “It felt like confirmation that I am headed in the right direction and if I keep going, stay focused, I will reach my goal.”
Strong takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Strong makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by my actions. I give my all and constantly work on my game. And my teammates see that and I think it makes them want to do the same,” Strong said. “The best advice I give is to not listen to outsiders.”
Strong is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“They always tell me to just play my game. Let it come to me,” Strong said. “Coach Simpson tells me I have to sacrifice. You have to be willing to sacrifice now in order to be where you want to be later.”
Strong patterns his mentality after these transcendent athletes.
“Barry Sanders and Deion Sanders. I love Barry's playing style. He did it all!” Strong said. “And Deion because I played 3 sports also, and I love his confidence. Prime Time! I called myself Primetime growing up and wore 21.”
Strong lists history as his favorite subject in school.
“I love learning about the past,” Strong said. “It teaches you about the present and the future.”
Strong explains his collegiate aspirations.
“My top choices are Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, and LSU,” Strong said.
Strong maintains a rigorous schedule to stay sharp.
“I work on speed and agility training, weight lifting. I have a trainer, so we work out a few times a week on RB and DB drills,” Strong said. “I work out year round, normally with a 1-2 month break after football ends.”
Strong is striving for greatness in all that he does.
“I want to break my high school rushing record my sophomore year, get to the championship game before I graduate,” Strong said. “Make All State. Be ranked in the Top 3 players in the state and one of the top RBs in the country.”
Strong is a mentally tough young man who is growing into his best self.
“Dealing with loss in my family and fighting back from surgery 2 years ago,” Strong said. “Overall the experiences just made me understand the importance of being strong, fighting through obstacles and staying focused.”
Strong describes what he believes separates himself from the pack.
“How I mentally approach workouts and the game, life in general. I don't workout or play based on where I'm at,” Strong said. “I work out and play based on where I want to be. I'm constantly preparing for the next level on the field and off.”
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