John Mullins III '17 Recruiting Profile

My name is John Mullins III and I live in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. I go to Ridge High School located in Basking Ridge, NJ. I am one of three children and I am the youngest and the only boy. I try to live my life by a few quotes.  My father would often say to me, the quieter you become, the more you can hear.  I am very fortunate to come from a complete home with two parents that take care of my sisters and I because I realize that everyone is not as fortunate as me. Both of my parents have always been there for me and have helped me become the person that I am today both on and off the football field.  I have played many sports throughout my life. When I was younger I played some soccer, baseball and lacrosse, then I decided I didn't like those sports so I started playing flag football in 2nd grade and then I started tackle football in 3rd grade. I actually started out as a Running Back from 3rd grade through 6th and then as I started to grow and get bigger in 7th grade I became a Defensive End up until high school and then became a Defensive Tackle and still am today. Being a Running Back in my past has helped me see plays better and predict where a guy might want to run. Playing multiple positions has helped me have a better view on the field from both sides of the ball, offense and defense. My preference is defiantly defense. I really prefer defense because my goal is to sack every quarterback I can or tackle a ball carrier in the backfield. Off the field I believe that my GPA does not accurately display my ability in the class room because I didn't do well freshman year but then improved dramatically. Also, I believe that I can raise it even more by the time I graduate. I am also part of Jack & Jill of America Inc, which is an organization for African-American children that provides social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of two and nineteen years old. We help people in need and go to soup kitchens annually throughout the year. It has helped me see that everyone doesn't have the opportunities in life that I do and that I should take advantage of my life opportunities. I have participated in many community service activates including preparing food and feeding the homeless at a shelter, playing games with senior citizens, preparing packages to send to military troops and reading stories to young under privileged children. I've also assisted counselors at a local church for the summer bible study program. When I played basketball for a couple years our coaches arranged for my team and I to have dinner with special needs children. That was a rewarding experience for me personally. Recently this spring my football coach organized that my team and I do a community spring clean up at various homes in our local neighborhood as a team fundraiser.