Interview By Collin Richardson
The Hempfield Black Knights captured their first section 1 title in over 15 years last fall, thanks in large part to an outstanding Senior class. Coach Eager’s squad has many key returnees this year including Jackson Landis, Micah Gates and big-time recruit Deyvid PelePele. Another stud that is starting to gain traction from colleges is Quentin Sneed. Sneed is a beast at noseguard for the Black Knights and it’s only a matter of time until colleges start offering. Collin Richardson sat down with the rising senior to get his thoughts on last year, his upcoming plans and what to expect in 2023:
Collin Richardson: You’ve done very well in your junior year, what are some goals you have this year for yourself specifically?
Quentin Sneed: Thank you for the complement! My goals for this year is to win the section title again, bring a district title for the first time in our school history, and continue my football career on the collegiate level.
CR: After finally beating Wilson last year, how stoked are you to play them this year?
QS: I’m excited to play Wilson this year. I remember the 4th quarter; we had 17 seconds left in the game- we ran the football and scored the game winning touchdown! That was a moment I’d never forget; knowing that the Hempfield Black Knights beat Wilson for the first time in 17 years and I was a part of it. But now, as we approach the upcoming season, I look forward to playing them as well as all the other teams this season.
CR: College Coaches see everything you do when they are recruiting, as you know by now. How do you balance school, and football, and track that you do in the spring? What goes into your work ethic?
QS: Well, It’s a lot, but prioritizing keeps things balanced for me: Taking care of my schoolwork first, adjusting my time schedule, then heading to the weight room and practicing with my teammates. I took a hold on track, to focus more on football. This is my last year of playing high school football and I want to make it count.
CR: You’ve seen leadership from some great players ahead of you in Hempfield’s organization. Is there anything you will be doing specifically to lead the team and keep everybody focused?
QS: Yes. Now that I’m a senior, I am in the position to guide the team by showing them great techniques and proper hand placements as a lineman. It’s important for them to work their way up as I did because everything is earned not given.
CR: Do you have any colleges giving you looks? Have you toured any? Let us know about this time of your life and how that has been for you and your family.
QS: Yes. I have attended several college camps in the local area as it is a new experience for me and my family. As I am preparing myself for senior year, I am excited and looking forward to hopefully receiving an offer.