Carlos Cervantes capped off his middle school career in this past weekend when he was recognized as one of the top players in the country at the FBU Top Gun Camp at South Pointe High School in Rocky Hill, S.C.
Cervantes made the FBU All Top Gun Team and was a key factor on defense that helped his 7v7 team go undefeated and win the championship. He also won the class of 2022 leadership award.
Cervantes, a linebacker and running back from Marietta, Ga., is 5’9, 180 pounds, 15-years-old and will be attending Marietta High School in the fall. He was the starting MLB for the Osborne JR Cardinals, Team Georgia of the Future Stars Game and GMSAA's FBU Team.
in June he also started at linebacker for the second consecutive year in the Future Stars Game.
While Georgia lost 21-18 against Florida, Cervantes still left all on the field.
“We played our hearts out,” Cervantes said. “I just thought it would be a different outcome.”
Cervantes explained that heading into the game the kids felt it would be an offensive shootout, but they were dead wrong. The youngster said he played better than last year and finished with six tackles, two for a loss and two deflections.
“I felt good about the game, but I felt I could have played better,” he commented.
As much of a freak as he is on defense, Cervantes only began playing football three years ago. He explained that while he loves hitting the quarterback, causing fumbles and sacks and scoring touchdowns, it’s the competition and comradery of the game that drew him to it.
“I feel as I have been progressing very fast and have learned faster than others considering I’ve only played football three years,” he commented.
In his short time on the gridiron, Team USA is not his only accomplishment. He was selected for GMSAA FBU team, FSG game team and won offensive player of the year and defensive player of the year for the Osborne Cardinals eighth grade team.
As he looks ahead to high school and beyond, he feels his future is bright. According to Cervantes, his goals are to work on reading offensive plays and learning how to react and improving his tackling and speed.
“I’m starting high school soon, so I need to get myself and my body right,” he said. “I’m not really nervous, but it will hit me when I’m in the school. I think I will be prepared. I’m looking forward to Friday nights when I hit that field putting on the shoulder pads and helmets and letting it roll.”
While he looks up to soon to be former NFL linebacker Ray Lewis because of his leadership and passion for the game, he credits a lot of his success to his dad, Dale Deno and his coach, DeArlo Reese.
“As a parent I'm very pleased with the Future Stars Game program,” Coach Deno said. “As their program motto is “it’s more than just a game, ” it is the kids who learn everything from what to post and not to post on social media, financial spending and hanging around the right people. It’s a life learning experience and gives the kids a week experience of the college life.”
Deno always pushed his son to practice, workout every day, run track, and most importantly, learn to love the game of football. While Reese gave him advice he will never forget.
“To go out there and have fun in a game and don't let your emotions get the best of you,” Reese told him.
Speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor
Youth1’s Recruiting Counselors are on a mission to educate you on the recruiting process - one that's very competitive and starts early. Let us provide guidance through the most important decisions that shape your athlete's journey in sports.
Learn how to become a recruitable student-athlete, find out what colleges you match best with, and get the ability to message college coaches directly with a specialized recruiting package.
Don't wait, schedule a time to speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor. It's FREE! Just fill out the following information and then select a date and time in the form below.
This article was written and posted by one of our talented contributors. If you think you've got the writing, research and social media skills to join Youth1's freelance team then send a resume and writing sample to sdelia@youth1.com for consideration.