SUMMER HITS
‘Great prospect’ ready to begin his first season in U.S.
McArthur High School football coach George Whigham runs drills during practice in Hollywood. Monday was the first day of football practice for high schools across the state.
HOLLYWOOD The first thing Damien Alford had to get used to was the heat. Florida heat is much different than Montreal heat.
“Working out, doing cardio a lot, getting used to the heat when I have the chance to,” Alford said. “That’s how I get better.”
Alford, a junior, moved from Quebec in the spring and took one step closer to starting his South Florida career on Monday as he and the McArthur team opened fall practice in Hollywood.
“It feels good, putting a lot of work in,” Alford said.
Alford has had to make adjustments to the American game since he moved down here, especially the rules regarding wide receivers’ movement at the line of scrimmage.
“In Canada, we’re allowed to move on the line. Here, we’re not allowed to,” Alford said. “I had to learn how to get off the press, be a little more physical, And from that, I got better.”
McArthur coach Pierre Senatus raved about the 6-foot-5 wide receiver.
“His talent is generational,” Senatus said. “His size, athleticism, balance. Some guys are awkward at that age and with that length. Basketball guys are not always into the contact of it. … He’s a great prospect.”
In addition to his talent, Senatus said Alford stands out for his attitude.
“He’s a very calming figure,” Senatus said. “You’ve got the South Florida swag at receiver. It’s very different. You’re used to the 7-on-7, swag guys and all the hotting and the hollering. He’s completely different. He catches a touchdown, here you go. At the end of the practice, [he says], “Thank you, coach, for practice.’ ”
Alford’s recruitment has blown up since he moved to South Florida. He is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, and the site lists him as the No. 473 player and No. 71 wide receiver in the 2021 class.
Alford currently holds offers from 18 college teams, including Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Miami.
“I never thought I’d be in the situation I am right now,” Alford said. “I started football in Grade 7, and from there I excelled. Usually, I was a basketball player, so I never knew I was going to reach this far in football.”
Alford has less than a month until he plays his first game in Florida, and he’s getting ready to make his mark.
“Just trying not to stress, just play how I usually play and everything will be fine,” Alford said.