Summer time comes and goes, I signed up for the photography class I met Kate in and buddy was right "slim to zero chance" for her to be there and she wasn't there, it sucks but life goes on for now. me and Alexa are still dating, senior season has officially started, and i took some more visits to colleges over the summer. Now everyone is just wondering where I'm going to go… and when I say everyone I mean everyone, ESPN ranked me the number one overall player in the class and have been trying to figure out where I'm going for the last few months. Some sites have it saying I'm going to go to Oregon, another will say Alabama, one has me going to Clemson. it's crazy watching everyone freak out over a potential commitment and I'm over here just trying to be a normal guy finishing up his last year. A week before the season opener coach calls me into his office. I walk over and head into the office.
"You wanted to see me coach?"
"Oh yeah I got some news for you"
"What's going on?"
"Sportscenter wants to interview you after school"
"Wait really?!?"
"Yeah they just called me and they're already sending someone down here"
"Did they say what they were talking to me about?"
"No but I can already guess"
"I don't know how many times I have to say it.. I don't know where I'm going yet, like damn can I finish the season, shit hasn't even started yet"
"You're the number player in the country… everyone is going to want to be the first one to break the news of where you're going"
"Good luck because I ain't saying anything until signing day"
"Just talk to them and humor them"
"I guess… I'm not good with talking in front of a camera, especially when millions are going to end up watching it"
"Just do your best, you're just a kid after all"
"Yeah true, anyways coach I got to get to class"
"Don't you only have like three real classes?"
"Yeah but I still have to go to the other ones"
"Alright see you later today at the interview"
I walk to a class I'm a teachers assistant in, I don't really do anything in there so I'm just texting Alexa who's doing nothing in her school paper class
"Hey babe"
"Heyy 😘"
"So coach just told me sportscenter wants to interview me today after school"
"Oh shit, that's crazy are you ready"
"Not really but they're already on their way so no turning back now"
"Don't worry I'm sure you'll do great 😊"
"I'll try.. you want to come and watch me"
"I was already planning on it"
"Alright, what you want to do after?"
"You 😉"
"Girl you in class reacting like this"
"Are you complaining?"
"I plead the fifth"
"That's what I thought 😏"
"Jesus you turn 18 and you just trying to fuck all the time 😂"
"Again… are you complaining?"
"Again I plead the fifth.. I'll see you in a little bit"
"Alright babe"
After school I head to the area where they'll be conducting the interview, they get me set up and sit me in front of a camera and tell me everything that's going to happen and I just wait for the interview to start. After a few minutes they give me a signal the interview is about to start then I hear the analyst talking over the headset.
"We welcome the top high school player in the nation Jay Sanchez to the show, Jay how's it going"
"I'm doing good, how are you guys doing?"
"We're doing alright, excited to talk to you and maybe see if we can get some insight on your future a little"
"Jay, Tim Foles here I just wanted to ask first, how are you preparing for your senior year?"
"Same as always, just working hard in the weight room, watching film and im just ready to start the final season, I'm going to try and enjoy it as much as I can"
"Jay, Luke Musgrove, I want to just get straight into it. Have you narrowed down your options to your top five?"
"Now that you mention it I have and I guess now would be a good time as any to reveal them. My top five are Oregon, Alabama, USC, Michigan, and Clemson"
"Well there you have it, the final five in the Jay Sanchez sweepstakes. Is there one college you're slightly leaning to?"
"Right now I think I'm still open and just weighing my options, also looking at academics too"
"Jay, Martin Smith here and I'm sorry but I just got to come out and say it… I don't see the hype, I really don't, I look at you and see bust written all over you"
"Oh come on Martin"
"No luke this has to be said, Jay seems like a good kid with all the physical traits but he's been playing against low level opposition these last three years let's be honest."
I just look down and don't know what to say, I look around for any type of help.
"Jay you still there?"
"Uhhh yeah I'm still here"
"Don't be afraid to respond Jay"
Just then every thing stops and buddy appears
"Wow what a dick"
"I don't know how to respond. If I don't say anything everyone's going to think I agree but if I say something back I'm going to be looked at as someone with an attitude"
"Well respond back with facts and in a calm manner"
"Yeah fuck that guy"
Time starts back up again
"Mr smith?"
"Yes Jay"
"I know I don't like to argue with my elders but I have to point out a few things"
"Go ahead"
"You said I didn't face any opposition right?"
"Yes I did, you faced nothing but scrubs"
"Well if you would go back and look you would see i faced mater dei my freshman year, one of the top schools in California as well as the whole country that have sent multiple players to D1 programs"
"And?!?"
"Did you see my stat line?"
"Well no.."
"I had four sacks that game, against a offensive line that sent a couple players to D1 schools and some right now are dominating at the next level"
"Ooooh Martin, Jay proving you wrong!"
"Ok one team!"
"Over the next two years after that I played against three more top California teams and averaged close to three sacks a game against them to go along with eight tackles or more, don't forget this upcoming season we'll be taking on Allen high school from Texas. So no disrespect you've been around sports longer than I've been alive but I don't think you did enough research on me to criticize my play"
"Ooohhhh"
"You know what Jay, I don't like your attitude and i still think you're gong to be a bust in the next level"
"That's fine sir but I'm used to proving people wrong, I'll use this criticism to my advantage and maybe you can interview me again in a few years"
"Luke again here, I just got to say Jay… that was something I like to see out of a player, I see that fire and I can't to see you playing on Saturdays next season"
"Thank you sir"
"One more question before we let you go."
"Yes sir?"
"Is there one team that has show more interest than the others?"
"I don't want to say too much but USC has made a big push and had me down for multiple visits already"
"Wow! So usc could be the dark horse in this race?"
"We'll have to wait and see"
"Thanks for your time Jay!"
"Thank you, you guy have a good day and good luck on this season coming up. Love you Martin!"
They signal the end of the live feed and coach Mike comes up to me
"You handled that pretty good Jay"
"Yeah…do me a favor?"
"Yes?"
"No more fucking interviews"
He laughs
"Alright I'll keep that in mind"
"I already see the comments on the video coming from a mile away"
Later that night I'm at home with Alexa when she shouts out
"They posted it!"
"Ughhh I hate this already… what are they saying?"
"Everyone is actually on your side"
"Wait really?!"
"Yeah want me to read a few comments"
"Yeah go ahead"
"Alright here's one. 'This guy should've been fired a long time ago, good job kid on putting him in his place"
"That's hilarious"
"Here's another one. 'They tried to bait him into doing something out of character, he handled that with class I hope he comes to Alabama. Roll tide!'"
"That's crazy"
"Oooo I like this one. 'After this interview this kid got himself a fan, I hope he dominates wherever he goes in college and then goes first round in the draft'"
"Wow… I can't believe something that was bad ended up being good for me"
"Alright one more, this woman goes in. 'Martin is a POS, seems like he's jealous of a 17 year old that has more athletic ability and better looks. Keep your head up Jay everyone is on your side. Hope you stay home and choose USC, Fight on!"
"I love it!"
"Well looks like you're going viral babe"
"Yeah… I don't know if that's good or bad"
"Why do you say that?"
"Expectations are going to sky rocket now, all eyes are going to be on me from here on out. I just hope I can live up to them."
Alexa comes close and wraps her arms around the back of my neck.
"I believe in you, as well as countless others"
"Yeah I'll be alright"
She gives me a quick kiss and enjoy the rest of our night, but everything still lingers in the back of my mind.