Troy Mann '21 Recruiting Profile

I discovered football late in life compared to most players. I joined the Tucson High Badgers in 2019, my Junior year. I fell in love with the game right away. The speed, the hitting, the teamwork, and the friendships I formed with my teammates appealed to me like nothing else ever had before. I played mostly with the JVs that first year, but I suited up for Varsity too, and I got into several Varsity games that first season. When the season ended I was already looking forward to the next one.

Then Covid-19 hit in March 2020, and all my football plans and dreams were put on hold. Thanks to the pandemic there was no spring football, and no summer training either. Nobody was certain if there would even be a football season in the fall.

Feeling frustrated, I decided to work on my own training. I lifted weights at home during the day and walked to a local park when the sun started to go down each night with my cones and rope ladders. I would work on my endurance, speed, and footwork, and practice whatever football techniques I could. I quickly got used to people looking at me like I was crazy as I ran up hills dragging tires. I would return home in the dark, soaked in sweat after training in the infamous Tucson summer heat, and drink protein shakes before falling into bed. 

I learned to ignore people who told me there wasn’t going to be a season because of the virus. I had faith my hard work would pay off when the season started. After what seemed like forever, the school district finally gave approval for schools to begin phasing in football practice in October! It was wonderful to be back on the football field with my coaches and teammates, and even though we had new safety protocols to follow, we all worked as hard as we could to get ready to play.

I love playing, and the two games that I was able to play in my Senior season  were a blessing. It's strange, I thought the news of the football season being canceled would really discourage me, but I am as excited and dedicated to football as ever. The hard work is its own reward. I'm now ready to take my game and my education to the next level, and I will give everything I've got to make this dream happen. The future is now, and I can't wait!