Georgia linebacker Carlos Cervantes wreaked havoc on defense Wednesday afternoon, as Team USA defeated Mexico 62-0 in the International Bowl.
Cervantes, a linebacker and running back from Marietta, Ga., started for team USA and racked up seven tackles and three deflections. He is 5’9, 175 pounds, 14-years-old and in eighth grade and attends Smitha Middle School.
Cervantes is the starting MLB for the Osborne JR Cardinals, Team Georgia of the Future Stars Game and GMSAA's FBU Team.
Being able to play on the same field as the Dallas Cowboys against some of the best players in the country and the world was a special feeling, he said.
“I have worked very hard to be where I'm at and when I saw I got selected it simply shows me hard work pays off,” He told Youth1. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone my age.”
Knowing that he was out there representing his country made him realize this wasn’t just a regular game. He noted that participating in the USA Football and national team program has taught him new techniques and drills and overall improved his defensive side of his game.
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.
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.
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.
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