Axel Thurman
DURANT HIGH SCHOOL
Junior Axel Thurman is a key member of the Durant Lions football team where he shines at middle linebacker. We asked Axel to tell us a little about himself.
VYPE: Tell us how you got started playing football and any other sports and who some of the players you follow are.
AXEL: I started playing football when I was young and my dad was my coach until I got into middle school. I also play baseball, wrestle and do powerlifting. Growing up I admired the play of (former NFL great) Ray Lewis and today I enjoy watching Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed play.
VYPE: What does a typical training week for you look like during football season?
AXEL: I get to school around 6:30 a.m. to do some lifting and watch some film, speak with the coach about what is new, attend class and then go to practice from 2:30 until 6:00 p.m. Then I eat, do homework, sleep and then start all over again the next day.
VYPE: What has been one of the most challenging aspects of high school football for you?
AXEL: My most challenging aspect is my height. I’m only 5’10” so since there isn’t anything I can about that, I work harder to become stronger. In doing so I made it to state in powerlifting as a freshman and was state runner-up last year.
VYPE: What has been a highlight moment for you so far at Durant and what are some of your goals in football this season?
AXEL: A highlight for me was last year when we beat Broken Bow by a field goal with three seconds left in the game. This year I want to have at least 150 tackles and for the team to make the playoffs.
VYPE: Looking back what are you most proud of so far in your high school football career and what would you like to do after you graduate?
AXEL: I’m most proud of being able to start several games my freshman year because there were just a handful of us that got to do that. After I graduate, I’d like to play college football somewhere and study to become a software engineer.
