Nick Downs is ready for a big season with Plymouth Football, and he is very excited to start his senior season with the Wildcats this year. “I’m super excited,” Downs said. “Last year didn’t end how we wanted it to, so I’ve had a bad taste in my mouth. We’ve had a great fall camp, and we’re starting to put our pieces together. I can’t wait until week 1,” Downs continued.
Playing quarterback is something Downs always wanted to do and now is living his dream of playing the position the past few years. “Being a quarterback is everything I ever dreamed. As a kid growing up, everyone wants to be a quarterback on Friday nights and I’m living that experience. I love the work that goes with it, like watching the film and working on my reads and just trying to get better every day,” Downs mentioned.
Downs has grown a lot as a quarterback last year and is ready to use what he learned last year into this year. “Last year, I felt more confident because I’ve had a year in our new system. I’ve disciplined my eyes more, so I know where to go with the ball. I’ve also gotten a step or two faster and stronger as well. I’ve improved my game all around,” Downs commented.
To prepare for an opponent, Downs likes to watch the film on the opposing team and will ask about the opposing team in practice and film study. “I like to watch a film a lot of our opponent and see what coverages they line up into our formations. Then when we install in practice, I go over my checks with my coach and ask as many questions possible,” Downs stated.
Two games that are circled every year on Plymouth’s schedule are games against Canton and Salem. Downs says those games are always competitive since the three schools are on the same complex. “They are definitely two games we circle every year. I have a lot of friends on either team, and we hate each other when we play. We’re still friends at the end of the day. It’s crazy walking the campus with guys who you’ll end up playing that same night,” Downs said.
The coaching staff has meant a lot to Downs the past few years and have made an impact on him since they took over last season. “The coaching staff has been amazing. We’ve bonded together really well, and they’ve brought a new culture to Plymouth. Us as new players have started to buy in and realize how good we can be,” Downs stated.
Plymouth Football means a lot to Downs, and the experience is something that he will remember for the rest of his life. “Plymouth Football is everything to me. The organization has done a lot of things for me and is just a great program. Plymouth Football has given me the best four years of my life, and I’m forever grateful to be a part of something of this caliber,” exclaimed Downs.
Downs says he will miss a lot about high school football, but the most significant thing he will miss is the bond he has with his teammates who are also his best friends. “I’ll miss the brotherhood for sure,” Downs said. “I mean when you play in college or the pros, you’re playing for a scholarship and then for money. You don’t play because of the relationships you’ve built. Nothing beats walking out under the Friday night lights with every guy on the roster having one common goal, and that is to win and have each other’s back,” Downs said.