2024 In-Season Interview with Braden Adkins from Portsmouth West


 

Braden Adkins
Portsmouth West
Running back/SSafety
2027

Heading into the season after all the practice was completed leading up to your first game, what did you learn about your team?

Things I learned from my team leading up to our first game were how competitive we were because we lost 9 of the 11 players on defense, and seeing how hard our underclassmen were competing and working hard every day in practice for playing time was what stood out to me.

What goals had you set for your team as you headed into the season?

Every year our goal as a team is to win our conference and make a deep run into the playoffs.

What goals have you set for yourself entering the season?

Coming into the season, I knew we lost all four of our secondary players, so one of my goals was to work hard and compete for one of those spots.

What has been the highlight of the 2024 season?

The biggest highlight for me so far for the 2024 season was when we played a key opponent in our conference waverly at home, and I rushed the ball 11 times for over 100 yards to help our team defeat waverly.

What has been the most disappointing part of the 2024 season?

The most disappointing part of the season was our first two games when we played Fairland and Portsmouth; they are both really good teams, but as a team, we didn’t feel like we played very well.

After starting the season 0-2, West is currently on a seven-game win streak. Week ten brings the rival game with Wheelersburg (5-4). How important is it to defeat them and keep your momentum going as you prepare for the playoffs?

This game is important because it is a goal of ours to beat Wheelersburg, but it would also give us a conference championship, and it would also give us an eight-game winning streak heading into the playoffs.

What do you feel you have improved on the most during the 2024 season?

Something I’ve felt like I improved on the most during the 2024 season has been my blocking. I feel like not just me but as a whole team we have improved in our blocking game, and it has really been a key factor in our seven-game win streak.

What do you believe is the strongest part of your game?

I feel like the strongest part of my game is my ability to change direction and my change of speed.

What is the toughest part of practice?

I feel like the toughest part of practice is the start of practice because our coach has us conditioning first thing, then we have been doing more live hitting and offense vs. defense.

Which part of practice do you like the most?

One part of practice I like is whenever our secondary players get to do one-on-one drills and we get to compete against each other.

What is a talent or skill that would surprise your friends?

Something I think surprised my friends was how strong I was in the weight room.

If there was no internet or cell phones, what would you do?

If there was no internet or cell phone, I would probably hang out with friends and family more.

What is your favorite and least favorite type of music?

I listen to a lot of rap and country, but I don’t really like the heavy metal music.

 


 

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