Wissahickon lineman Kevin Pineda wants to build parks, improve facilities. He’ll start that mission at Monmouth @KevinPineda217 @WissFootball

Tagged under: District 1, News, Recruiting

Billy Splain | April 17, 2020

Most high school football players have a dream. Ask any of them and they’ll likely tell you they want to “play D1” or “get to the NFL”. Wissahickon lineman Kevin Pineda wants to do all of the above, plus a little bit more. When asked what he’d like to tell his classmates, fans and teammates about his decision, his answer was stout: “My decision is something I thought hard about and I believe it can get me to where I want to be and that is the NFL. I’m doing this to be able to give back to my hometown at Carlstadt NJ and Wissahickon. I want to build parks, build locker rooms, upgrade facilities for the upcoming youth”. He also knew where he wanted to start that journey, and that is at Monmouth University. The 6-3, 300 pound road grater made his announcement last night on twitter.

Extremely excited to announce that I’m committed to @monmouthu. I want to thank my parents, coaches, teammates, and teachers for supporting me throughout my life. I also want to thank @MUHawksFB for the opportunity. #TIME2F1Y pic.twitter.com/qTtzbmSvfL

— Kevin Pineda (@KevinPineda217) April 17, 2020

We caught up with Kevin to find out a little more about his decision:

PFN: How long have you played football?

Kevin: I’ve been playing football for 6 years in total 4 throughout middle school and two throughout high school. I took a break my freshman year to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

PFN: Why did you choose to commit to the Hawks?

Kevin: Monmouth is building something special, and I want to be apart of that building process. They have great facilities, great coaching staff, and have a great bond.

PFN: Why commit early?

Kevin: I’m committing early because when I have something in my mind I chase after it. Ever since visiting the campus and getting to know everyone who makes that program run, I knew I wanted to be apart of that program.

PFN: Who was your biggest influence in the Hawks program?

Kevin: My biggest influence has to definitely be Coach TJ and Coach Gabe. They’ve been keeping in touch with me and have been checking up on me every so often to make sure me and my family are ok. I felt a certain connection between them and I felt comfortable

PFN: What are they getting in player like you?

Kevin: They are getting a player that will never give up and give everything he has to get the job done. They’re getting a player who’s gonna put the team first before anything else and somebody who will be aggressive every play.

PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you?

Kevin: The recruiting process was broken down to simplicity for me by my head coach, Bruce Fleming. He has the mindset and the experience to get you to your dream and as a player you just have to give it your all to make the process easier on you and your coach. He was there through every step and helped me get noticed by colleges. 7

PFN: What position were you recruited for?

Kevin: Offensive line/ Offensive Tackle

PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Kevin: Business

PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision?

Kevin: They played a mental role in my decision because they kept me calm throughout everything and helped me think about all different type of factors and what I’m looking for in a college. They made sure I was making the decision I want.

PFN: What do you think is the most exciting thing about the Monmouth program?

Kevin: The most exciting part of the Monmouth program has to be the brotherhood. The people who make everything happen on and off that field is what excite me. The dedication and the work ethic they have amazes me because they don’t stop. They will keep working until they complete their tasks. The players as well are always together and it’s a family atmosphere.

PFN: Tell everyone out there in Hawk Land something they’d never know about you until you told them:

Kevin: I was told I would never be able to make it at the next level, but my hard work and dedication helped me get to where I’m at right now.

PFN: Who is the person who most influenced you in your football career?

Kevin: My older brother influenced me the most on my football career because he got me back on the field and pushed me to my limits. I wouldn’t be playing the sport right now if it wasn’t for him.

PFN: Did the current situation with COVID19 and the possibility of camps not happening affect your decision? The unfortunate events of COVID-19 did not effect my decision on committing early or where I was committing. It’s just a road block that everyone not just me will get over and strive for success. My decision was based on trust and where I felt like home.

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