Birmingham Football Star Has “It” Factor On And Off The Field

Birmingham, AL — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from LaCandice Armstrong who nominated Earl of Birmingham, AL. Armstrong says, "Earl is a dynamic young man on and off the field" and describes him as "an overcomer."

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Star student athlete’s name

Earl

Star student athlete’s home state

Alabama

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Birmingham, AL

How do you know the star student athlete?

Mom

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Football

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Earl is a dynamic young man on and off the field. He is an excellent student in the classroom that prides himself on being the best student/athlete he can possibly be. He has an infectious personality and challenges those around him to be better every day but to enjoy themselves in the process. It is difficult to describe all the positive qualities Earl brings to our school and our football program. Many would just say that he has “IT”. That “IT” factor that all special leaders seem to have no matter if it's in sports, school, business, etc. Earl just makes the people around him better. His leadership ability was displayed last season as he led our team to its first ever state championship appearance in our 100-year school history. His commitment to excellence on and off the field is unparalleled at this level.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Outside of football Earl loves spending time with his little brother, other family members, and his mentor. Earl also enjoys working out with trainers while helping younger athletes perfect their skills.

The list of adjectives to describe Earl is endless but what many don’t know about him is that Earl is also an overcomer. Earl’s dad was murdered when Earl was three years old. Although, he did have male family members like his granddad and uncle step in to help raise him, everyone knows it is different than your dad. He has never used the loss of his dad as an excuse to be great. Earl has overcome the obstacles faced by many when you grow up without one of your parents. He has used his loss to drive him to be the best he can be at everything he does. I’ve watched him grow and mature so much this off-season. The way he maturely and boldly handled speaking at his dad’s murderer’s parole hearing was incredible. The courage he displayed in that moment and the strength he provided for his mom and extended family was inspiring.

Keep up the great work, Earl!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete.