Personal Statement
Stats are important; but, I am definitely more than my stats. My life experiences along with football have helped turned me into a determined, goal-oriented student. Character matters and I try to be a positive role model in all that I do.
Here are the highlights you should know about Deven Lindsey, the Lakes Community High School, 5’11” 215lb Inside Linebacker from Lindenhurst, Illinois. As a freshman, I was brought up to play on the sophomore level as inside linebacker. Sophomore year I was named the starting Inside Linebacker on the JV team as well as a backup on the varsity level. In my most recent season, I was named the starting Inside Linebacker as a junior. I took on the role of a defensive leader among my teammates by leading in tackles and receiving the Hammer Award which is given to the hardest and most physical defensive player on the team. Junior year I also was named All-Conference and received honorable mention as All-Area. My senior year goals for next season are to be named All-State and win a State Championship. The following year is when I would fulfill one of my biggest dreams: playing football on the collegiate level.
The dream to play college football has been the driving force to accomplish so many goals in my life. In fact, it has turned my life around - a complete 180 degrees. As a freshman I didn't have any goals. I had spent prior years not taking much seriously. My grades sucked, my attitude sucked, and my sense of responsibility sucked. I had no desire to be better and achieve the most that I could achieve. Looking back, this was a horrific part in my life with no focus. But, I knew one thing: I loved the sport of football and it is the only thing that keeps me on track. Realizing that I need football in my life for as long as possible has not just given me dreams it has given me goals.
I quickly realized that to continue to play football in high school I needed to improve, especially to achieve academically. So, I set my first goal to take my first honors class. After that it was all honors classes, then after that it was my first AP class, and then finally it was to enroll in all AP classes. I've achieved all of these goals. Football has helped me not just look at my present goals; but, it has helped me look past them and set future goals. My future goals in college are to first play football on the collegiate level, secondly, major in biology or medical engineering and then after grad school, attend medical school and get a PhD in Anesthesiology. All that followed up by a three year residency at John Hopkins hospital.
This goal path is much easier said than done. In my sophomore year, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I have been able to accept and overcome it. Since that diagnosis, I have excelled in all areas of my life with football being the driving force. If I could summarize all that the sport of football has done for me it would be that it has taught me the importance of determination.. I know what I need to do both on and off the field. What separates me from the rest is - you give me a goal and I am going to complete it. I will do anything it takes to achieve that goal. Any obstacle, bridge, hardship, I'll overcome and get it done. I'll do whatever it takes to better myself and better the people around me by example. I now see my goal in life and it is to be the absolute best I can be, to obtain the highest achievement possible. Wanting to be on the field and play has made all these aspirations possible through the sport of football. I am thankful to now realize these goals. I am also thankful that my Mom did not give up on me during those unfocused years; but, instead signed me up at the age of eight for what turned out to be my life changing first season of the sport that set me straight: football.
