2023 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Upper Merion K/P Cyrus Palladino
Tagged under: District 1, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | June 4, 2023
Cyrus Palladino
Kicker/Punter
Upper Merion
Class Of 2024
Jersey #18
HT/WT5’ 8” 167lbs
1/1 fg (28y) and 27/32 pats (3 blocked)
All conference 2nd team (2021+2022)
Twitter @cyrus_palladino
“Varsity kicker since freshman year; Kohl’s 4.5 star rating and #76 nationally in the country; work ethic is second to none; talent has always been there, we just haven’t always been able to use it, but looking for a big year from him”.
Why do you play football?
I love playing on a team and it opens up more social and athletic opportunities for me.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite star, but someone who I strongly look up to in terms of play style is Dennis Rodman. He showed that you’ve got to put in max effort to whatever you do during the game, and know your role. As a kicker, it’s good to focus on just my role and be the best I can be during every game for my team.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My first extra point in middle school. My teammates were so hype for that and I still remember it clearly.
What was last years season like for you?
Mediocre both as a team and individually. I know I can do better, I just need to work on my consistency.
What are your goals for this coming season?
Consistent field goal accuracy and kickoff distance. Also 60y fg ability is a goal I set freshman year.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
I’ve never really lined up against anyone in a game, but I know another kicker I’ve played against, Ben Bosio, and he’s very good.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Penn State because of its size. I’d love to hear and see the atmosphere of a fully invested crowd of that size.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Eagles
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite game I watched was the Eagles super bowl win. I watched it at home with my family, and it was a very good first season to get into football. My dad had waited such a long time for this moment, so it was great seeing him so happy about the win. It also a very intense game.
Describe what the perfect teammate is
The perfect teammate is a hardworking player that is consistently responsible and hardworking. They take all aspects of the game and preparation seriously. They don’t make excuses or blame others and instead take accountability while also keeping others accountable. They aren’t a brick wall either that only cares about the game. They’re fun to be around and being teammates with them makes you love the game even more.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
Football is the biggest sport in the nation, and it allows young men to represent the areas they live in/play for. Most guys, at least in high school, play for a school/team in a place they’ve grown up in. It gives local places a representative team that they can support and connect with.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Force a fumble. If it comes down to me and the return man, most often my best bet is just a tackle. But to force a fumble on top of that would be insane.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
I look up to Justin Tucker a lot. He’s the best example of what it means to be a great kicker. His accuracy is his best trait. I’ve watched a lot of videos of him kicking to learn from his technique.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
My favorite drill is the goal post drill where you stand on the back corner of the end zone and try to kick the ball straight into the goal post. I don’t think I have a least favorite kicking-related drill
Preseason Two a Days are:
Very fun. It’s not as exhausting as a specialist and enjoy camp season.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
I’ve always enjoyed playing some video games. It’s relaxing and fun. I don’t really have any intense hobby I think, but I also like keeping pet fish and growing plants, playing basketball (or any other activity really) outside, or practicing guitar even though I’m not that good at it.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
My favorite memory was my first field goal in high school sophomore year. It put us up at half even though we did lose, but it was the same experience as when I made my first pat in middle school with my teammates mobbing me, but it felt much more important.
What is your favorite play to run?
Field goal.
is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes
Music of choice:
Indie/rock
Best Pizza topping?
Ham/Pineapple, it’s actually good and tastes unique
Which one? Sheetz or Wawa
Wawa
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Cape Cod Massachusetts
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
I’m not sure what the first game I saw was, but the first one that got me into football was the Eagles/Panthers game during their super bowl season.
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