MIKA DURAN

Hi, my name is Mika Duran. I am a Senior at Centennial High School in Corona, CA.

I am a two sport athlete. Football, which I started playing when I was five years old (in pads) and wrestling, which I started when I was six years old.  From the first time I stepped onto a game field I, like most kids wanted to play football in high school, college and if lucky enough the pro's.  Playing football in college is a once in a lifetime opportunity that few are given.  I fully understand the difficulty of achieving this next goal and will do everything within my power to make it happen.  I am a somewhat serious no nonsense quiet kid.  I get along well with and am liked by teachers, coaches, and teammates.  On most weekends you will find me either at the gym, at the field practicing/training or at home with my family.

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Family

I am the youngest of three boy, my parents have been married for more than twenty plus years and I have two dogs.  My family has always supported and afforded me with every opportunity they could to help me achieve my goals.  My parents send me to camps and trainers always striving to improve my skills of being bigger, faster, stronger and smarter.  My father, Carlos, having played football and wrestled during his time, has coached my brothers and I in both sports since we were five years old.  He continues to coach youth football and wrestling.  My father is the reason my brothers and I are the athletes we are today.  That having been said, my mother, Monica, is the reason we are the young men were are today.  Along with her being our nutruitionist, counslor, taxi, photographer, cheerleader etc.  She has taught us how to stand on our own and make the "right" decisions.  And that it isn't all about sports that we need an education too.  Together my parents are my biggest supporters.  Being the youngest of three boys, my brothers have taught me just as much if not more on the art of dealing with guys bigger and stronger than myself.  My oldest brother Niko (22) played football (Corner) and wrestled (Riverside County Champion at 152 lbs).  Niko is currently a physical trainer in San Diego.  My second brother Kainoa (20) was a wrestler (CIF State qualified and ranked at 126 lbs.).  Kainoa currently participants with the coaching staff at the Centennial wrestling team.  With the knowledge my family, coaches and trainers have given and continue to give, it is now all up to me to prove to you that I am worthy of playing football at the collegiate level.

 

Football

As a freshman I was starting Inside Linebacker / Special Teams.  Towards the end of my Freshman season I was called up to the varsity team.  My sophomore year I was the starting Inside Linebacker / Special Teams on the JV team, jersey #8.  On the varsity team I was the backup Inside Linebacker, jersey #38 .  I am a student of the game constantly watching, studying, examining and improving my skills.  I read and react quickly to every play.  I am the type of player that will always find the cracks in the offense and just keep hammering away.  I help and encourage my fellow teammates if we do not play as a team will we not succeed.  I am one of the hardest working players on the field.  Some of my coaches have known me for several years, before entering high school, and will not let me get away with just walking through it.  So I give it my all in every play.  I am very attentive and coachable.  I listen to and follow directions well.  As it is the only way in which I learn and better myself, by learning from those that have come before me.  I am a leader on and off the field, one who leads by example.  The dedication, determination and focus I use on the field I also apply in the classroom.

 

Academics

In the classroom I strive to maintain a high GPA.  My sophomore and junior year I was awarded a Scholar Athlete Award.  My current GPA is 3.5-.  To excel on the field I must first excel in the classroom.

I am a student-athlete not just an athlete.  As good as I am on the field it would mean nothing if I didn't have the grades to back it up.  I am currently registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

 

Injuries

While wrestling my Freshman year I injured my shoulder.  Mid way through my Sophomore football season I re-injured my shoulder.  For my safety, the trainers would not allow me to continue playing that season.  Since then I have spent everyday rehabilitating and training determined not to let this injury reoccur.  So that I can continue to play the sport I live for.

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Future

When my high school career is over I would like to continue my athletic career at the collegiate level.  I am seeking a school that will not only further my football abilities but one that will also fulfill my academic expectations.  Currently I am leaning towards Kinesiology as a preferred major.  I have an interest in both Kinesiology and Fire Science.  I am however open to all options and would like to find a college that is right for me with the highest level of competition both on and off the field.  In return I offer you my hard work, dedication, determination, loyalty and focus that will only add to your program.  I may not have the height of your average linebacker but I make that work to my advantage because they never see me coming.  I have the strength, ability and agility of any 6'2" 235 lbs. linebacker out there.  I strongly believe I will be an asset to any program willing to take a chance on me.

 

Please take the time to explore my pages and don't forget to check out my videos.  I hope you like what you see and that I will be hearing from you soon.  As I continue to look forward to an exciting future.  I thank you and appreciate you taking the time to visit my site and come back often.

 

Thank you again,

Your next recruit

Mika Duran