Mike Vukovcan Receiving an opportunity to continue to play football beyond high school is most players’ dream.
Aside from the obvious of helping their family with tuition costs, this allows players to continue to play the game that they love.
This has certainly been the goal and dream of Hopewell Vikings junior defensive back Julian Baldwin.
For the last few seasons, ‘JB’ has no doubt put the work in during the season and more importantly in the offseason to put himself position to possibly receive a college opportunity.
Last season for Hopewell, Baldwin played both safety and slot cornerback and collected 50 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback pressures, 2 forced fumbles. Following the season, Baldwin was named a unanimous first team All-Conference defensive back.
This morning, that dream was realized as Baldwin received his first two college offers, first from Westminster and hours later from Waynesburg. After receiving this exciting news, Vikings Sports Now spoke with Baldwin.
“It means a lot to me and I’m very happy,” said Baldwin. “I’ve put in so much works, and it shows my work and play pays off. I want to thank my parents who always support me. It means a lot that Westminster was the first to offer. I visited there once during my sophomore year and a few times last season, so I have a good relationship with Coach Hardy. So, when he extended the offer, it made me very happy.”
“It was stressful at times, but I knew that my time would eventually come once I completed my junior season and put my film out.”
Baldwin knows that these offers won’t stop him from working hard to get better with the hope of hearing from more programs over the next year. JB will work hard to improve his game which in turn will make his team better, something that is important to him.
“I’m looking forward to us building on what we did last year,” said Baldwin. “My role on the defense was expanded to doing a lot of the checks and coverages on field and I expect us to make a playoff run this season and to contend for a championship!”
Congrats to Julian and his family!
