2025 Season ending interview with Gaige Acevedo from KIPP Columbus

 

Name: Gaige Acevedo

School/town: Kipp Columbus HS, OH

Positions played: Inside Linebacker / Outside Linebacker / Punter / Offensive Lineman

Class: 2026

Height and Weight: 5’10, 205 lbs.

Jersey Number: 8 & 54

Awards won or earned: Team Captain & Honorable Mention All-District

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17850227/Gaige-Acevedo

Other sports played: Bowling & Track and Field

Please post something from last season, like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice. Anything that sticks out to you.

A big moment for me this last season came in week 3 against Northland. I was able to get my first career sack in high school. It meant a lot to me because of all the hard work I put in up to that point, and it started to really reflect in my play. 

First, could you let the readers know just how hard it is to play multiple sports at the high school level?

It’s hard at first because you’re trying to have the time management to balance your different sports, school, and personal life. But as you have time to get used to it, it all starts to get a little bit easier.

What do you believe you will miss the most from playing high school football?

I will miss the brotherhood, the close bond I’ve built with my boys, and playing in front of my home crowd.

What were your feelings as you walked off of the field for the last time as a high school football player?

Walking off the field for my last high school game, I was slowly taken over with sadness because it didn’t really hit me how fast the season would go by until it was actually over, and I wished I had one more game left to play. 

What has been the biggest lesson that you have learned playing high school sports?

I learned that even if you're not the biggest, fastest, or strongest, if you put in the hard work, be coachable, and absorb the knowledge of those who have the experience, you’ll start to grow as a player and a leader. 

What was your biggest moment on the field?

My biggest moment on the field came my junior year, when I was coming off a thumb injury; it was a home game against Bishop Ready. I ended the game with 15 total tackles and 12 solo tackles. It was my first really great performance I had in my whole career up to that point.

How would you describe your style of play?

A run stopper, when I see a gap, I shoot it and try to make a big play/hit. If I mess up, I mess up at 110% and still try to find a way to cause chaos during each play.

What was the best part of the 2025 season?

Being able to play with my boys I’ve been with all 4 years and have none of them transfer out.  

What was the toughest part of the 2025 season?

Not winning a game my senior year was the toughest part; it was heartbreaking and not a way I wanted to end my last season of high school football.

What makes you a good teammate?

I feel what makes me a good teammate is I try to set an example for the younger guys, my effort, my consistency, and my ability to hold myself and others accountable for our actions.

If you are invited to play in any of the statewide all-star games, will you? Explain

Yes, I would, because I love to compete and test my skills against the best of the best. Having that chance would give me the opportunity to prove my worth against the top players all over the world.

Why should a college coach recruit you?

A college coach should recruit me because I’m coachable, a hard-working player, I’ve been through adversity, and I can adapt to different environments and situations. 

Would you share with the readers some of the schools that are recruiting you as well as how the recruiting process has gone?

Some of the schools recruiting me are Ohio Northern, Muskingum, Allegheny, Otterbein, Wooster, and Defiance. The recruiting process has been going pretty well for me; I’ve been very blessed with all of the opportunities so far to pursue my dreams of playing college football.

What scares you?

Losing my mom is the thing that scares me the most because she means too much to me. Also, not being able to reach my peak potential in football scares me.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Fred Warner.

What is a style or fad your generation has that you just don't get?

A fad I don’t understand in my generation is recording everything for social media. It feels like people are more focused on posting than actually enjoying the moment. Also, I don’t really get how everything has to be labeled a “trend.” It feels like people try to turn every normal activity or style into a trend just to get attention, instead of just enjoying things for themselves.

 Follow me on X @HEARTLANDFAN15

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