(S22) - PT1 - Runnin’ Down a Dream

[Troen]

Written Option: Every year is a brand new start. In 200 words or more, describe what your player hopes to accomplish this year. Are there any career bests you want to set, or maybe even a league record? Do you have your eyes on an award? Are you convinced that this is the year you’ll finally win a playoff game? Right now, anything is possible.

Going into my first year in the NSFL, my primary goal is to be a respectable starter. The Copperheads have been a good team in recent years and as one of their limited callups, I want to show that they weren't wrong to believe in me. And to that end, my focus is on doing what I can and not focusing on the outcomes. I need to make sure I'm training at my best, never missing practice, talking with the coaches to learn the new scheme, and applying those lessons and learnings in the game. And then the other part I can control is on being the best teammate possible - making sure to help out with questions, trying to guide the other rookies when I know the answer, providing information on players I played against in the DSFL last year. If I do all that, then I can walk away from this season feeling proud in my actions regardless of the outcome. All I can do, I will do. So, with that mindset, I don't believe that focusing on outcomes is my goal. I did say something in an interview with a team pre-draft along the lines of 'if I get tons of individual stats, that's usually a sign that the defense is performing' since so many of the obvious and measurable DE stats have a big impact on drives. Tackles for a loss and sacks are both great in helping you stop the other team. But, if I never get a tackle or a sack but the defense manages a 3 and out every drive, I think that's a bigger success than if I get 3 sacks but we give up a TD. So, while I don't have my focus on any particular stat, team wins are always nice.