Prosper High football coach Brandon Schmidt marvels at the way soon-to-be senior safety Josh Graham has emerged as the face of the program for his Eagles.
“He epitomizes everything you what you want in a student-athlete,” Schmidt told Texas Scorecard. “He takes care of business in the classroom and is truly a difference-maker on the field. He makes all our coverage adjustments and is a guy we can really turn loose to come in for run support.”
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound hard-hitter was at the heart of an Eagles’ defense that allowed just 14 points or less at least four times this season in finishing the year at 9-3.
“He’s one of the hardest workers on the team and leads by example,” Schmidt added. “He’s one of those kids that works hard doing all the things he’s supposed to be doing while having fun. He just makes your job easier.”
With the Eagles set to lose several seniors going into next season and leaning toward starting at least three sophomores on defense, Schmidt admits he will need Graham’s leadership more than ever if Prosper hopes to build on this year’s success.
“His guidance will be critical,” he said. “He’s our No. 1 returning senior and there’s a real possibility that the guys will make him one of the captains when they vote on things early in the year.”
Schmidt said Graham’s stellar play and overall contributions are starting to attract attention for him outside the walls of Prosper.
“He’s on a lot of college coaches’ radar,” he said. “People like his length and athleticism and there’s a real chance he could go on to play at the Division 1 level.”
But first, there’s the matter of his senior season and the hope of leading the Eagles’ back to the postseason.
“You don’t have to worry about Josh,” Schmidt added. “He’s one of the hardest workers on the team and in the program.”
