2024 Mid-Season interview with Braxton Dente from Akron Ellet High School

 

Braxton Dente

Akron Ellet High School

Quarterback 

2026

Leading up to the first practice for the 2024 season, what goals did you have in mind for your team?

Transferring in from Barberton, I felt from a personal aspect I wanted to learn as much as I could about the guys on the team. I wanted to show them I was willing to work hard to be a part of what we are building. From a football aspect, I knew all of us on offense needed to be on the same page as fast as possible to have an opportunity for a strong start.

After all of the practices were through, leading into week number 1, what had you learned about your team?

As Coach Daraio says, "Rome wasn't built in a day; they were laying bricks every hour." I say that, meaning no matter how hard you work, some things just take time. It was important that we learn from mistakes and stay positive, but keep moving forward. I learned that we have the right players to accomplish our goal, but we just need to keep growing together.

What has been the most surprising start of the season?

We didn't start how we wanted to; however, I know this team will finish strong.

The city league starts this coming week for you and your team. What must you do to put the 0-5 nonleague part of the schedule behind you and compete for a city title?

Due to OHSAA rules, I have to sit the last 5 games for transferring. This will be the first time in my life I missed a game, but the season isn't about me. My focus is to give everything I have to my team during this time to prepare them for the next week's opponent.

Which team that you have faced so far this season has been the best, along with the reason you believe they were so good?

Indian Valley. They are a very disciplined and well-coached team and always a threat for the state title. That is not by accident.

Which defense this season as a quarterback has been the best that you have faced? along with the thing that made it so good?

Indian Valley again. They were very well prepared, but Buckeye was strong as well. Buckeye Head Coach Greg Dennison was the head coach at Wadsworth when my Uncle Greg played for him. It is fun to have that connection with my uncle now.

Who has been the best player that you have faced this season, along with the team he played for?

It kills me to say this because it's our rival, but Nate Hunt-Heller, DE, from Tallmadge. At 6-4 234 he is a very physical, smart, and athletic player.

Which game in the second half of the season are you looking most forward to, and why?

Any games we win.

In watching the Hudl package that you send me, you get rid of the ball quickly. Which part of your game as a quarterback do you feel is your strongest part?

Accuracy and processing information quickly. In our offense, 99% of the time I am back there alone, so I need to read the defense, make a quick decision, and trust my arm.

As a quarterback, what do you improve on to take your game to another level?

I intend to live in the weight room and take my body to the next level. I am 6 feet 1 185 but want to be at 205 at the start of next season. I also want to continue to improve my mobility and arm strength.

Most of the city league schools around the state are fighting low numbers. As a player, what do you do to try and recruit students at your school to go out for football?

I am not talking anyone into playing football. It is a tough sport, and 95% of the time we are tired and hurting somehow. You have to WANT to be out there. I think that is why it becomes a family because we are all out there for each other week after week, month after month, good or bad. I will welcome anyone to our team, but be ready to work and put the team first.

Do you feel as though it is unfair that you guys play on three different nights a week during the season, while most of the schools in your immediate area only play on Friday night?

I could care less. I'll play Tuesday morning on the Moon if it's scheduled.

What is your favorite class?

Believe it or not, French class with Mr. Masserey. He was one of the first teachers to welcome me to Ellet, and we always have great conversations. He has lived in Switzerland, France, and Germany and has so many great stories. Oh yeah, I am also getting an A in that class too.

Where is the best mom-and-pop place in your area to grab a meal?

Marie's Pizza in Wadsworth—I have been going there since I was little. I love their pizza! 

Who is your biggest role model?

My mom and dad. They believed in me first.