By Justin Graves

Justin@athensnews-courier.com

ATHENS – Not living up to full potential isn’t an option for Athens receiver Jacquez Pride. No one has ever questioned the senior’s work ethic or desire because no one pushes Pride any harder than himself.

But on the other side, he expects the same attitude and work ethic from his peers. Pride said the answer to why he does this is simple. “We have a chance to do things that no other Athens team has ever done, but the only way we will get there is by pushing each other to the limit.”

Pride’s potential for success on the football field is unlimited. With his explosive speed and athletic ability, he will be a huge scoring threat for the Golden Eagles in their wide-open spread offense. This is why he has been selected the No. 7 player on The News Courier’s list of Limestone Super Seniors.

“Jacquez (Pride) is a thoroughbred,” Athens coach Allen Creasy said. “He is a tremendous athlete and has come a long way as a leader on our football team. His work ethic has never been questioned.

“He pushes himself as hard as he can, and at the same time pushes his teammates to give the same type of effort.”

Even though Pride is all business when it comes to football, in an everyday setting he is about as easy going as they come. He wants his peers to be relaxed when they are around him, and at the same time have fun.

“This is our last year here in school,” Pride said. “That’s why it’s important for us to have a good time. I want everybody to have fun when they’re around me, even on the football field. But I also want everybody to know when it is time to get serious and work, then that’s what we have to do. Football is supposed to be fun, and when we’re having fun things go smoother.”

While Pride is having fun on the football field this fall, he is going to be playing a huge part in Athens potent offensive attack. With the Golden Eagles loaded in talent at the skill positions, it will make the already dangerous Pride even more of a big play threat.

“In our offense, we keep the defense spread out,” he said. “We have a lot of talented players who are capable of scoring anytime they get the ball. That makes everyone more dangerous because defenses can’t key on one guy. I love our spread offense, because it gives you a lot of chances to make plays.”

Creasy that Pride has really matured as a football player over the past few years, and will play a big role in Athens success this season.

“His speed allows us to do a lot off different things with him,” Creasy said. “The way our offense is designed, we get the football to a lot of different guys.

“This gives everybody better opportunities to do good things when they get the ball. With Jacquez’s (Pride) speed, he is very dangerous in the open field.”

Pride’s role with the Golden Eagles isn’t limited to offense. He also returns kicks and plays some defensive back.

“I want to do everything I can to help us win games,” Pride said. “We are expected to do a lot of good things, and it’s important that I do my part.”

With Pride’s athletic ability, he has a good opportunity to play at the next level. He said a few schools have contacted him, but he wants to wait until after the season is over to consider his options.

“Playing college football is something I have always wanted to do,” Pride said. “I think I have what it takes to make it at that level.”

Athens has lofty expectations placed upon them this season. Pride believes this football team is capable of living up to the hype.

“All of us have been playing together for a while now, and we’ve had some success,” he said. “We have a lot of seniors who have been big contributors for several years, and a lot of young guys who have the abilities to be good players.

“We are going to play the best football we are capable of every week, and try to win our region and make it to Birmingham.”

Tuesday The News Courier will feature No. 6 player on the list of Limestone Super Seniors.