2024 Interview with Jose Maldonado from Lucasville Valley High School


 

Jose Maldonado

Lucasville Valley High School 

Offensive tackle/defensive tackle 

2026

In 2023, you missed some time due to an injury. Can you tell everyone what the injury was and how the recovery process went?

Yes, my injury was a cervical spine concussion, which is where the c2 area of your neck is extremely swollen. The recovery process was a struggle in the beginning since I had to wear a cervical collar for 6 weeks, but as it went along, it became a lot more manageable. 

What was the high mark of your season?

The high mark of my season was 100% when Valley played Minford at Minford and we won 24-0.

Which side of the line do you enjoy playing on the most?

I would say offense line because that is what I’m best at and what I have more experience in.

Which side of the line is the toughest to play? Explain

Offensive line because you have to protect the QB and do your job almost perfectly for a play to go the way your team anticipates. 

What type of lineman is the hardest to go up against? 

It's definitely a fast defense. 

Who has been the best lineman you have faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

The best I have played against is definitely Leo Poxes from Portsmouth High School. 

Which type of weather is the worst to play in? 

Really cold weather. 

Do you prefer to play on turf or grass? 

I prefer to play on turf. 

What is the one thing you would like to do in a game that you most likely will never have the opportunity to do?

Definitely getting a pick 6.

What do you feel is the strongest part of your game, along with the aspect of your game you need to improve the most? 

The strongest part of my game is, for sure, my drive and will to not give up. What I need to improve is my quick thinking and finishing my plays. 

What have you been doing in the off-season to help you become a better player? 

I have been constantly putting work in the weight room every week, and I have been going at 5:30 am to our facility to train speed, mobility, and agility with some of my teammates, which is led by our defense coaches Kirk Thompson and Luke Keller every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 

What advice would you give to a first-year starter right before taking the field for the first time? 

I would tell them to just not give up when things get tough, do your job and do it correctly, and have the mindset that you’re going to beat the guy across from you every single play. 

Do you play other sports for Valley? If yes, which ones? 

No, I currently do not, unless you count power lifting as a sport. 

Other than sports, what do you do for fun?

I hang with my friends, family, and my girlfriend of 3 years, and I play video games. 

What scares you? 

I am not living up to my full potential in life.

 



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