2023 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Albert Gallatin ATH Makel Darnell
Tagged under: District 7, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | July 13, 2023
Makel Darnell
RB/Wing/Slot Receiver/OLB/Kicker
Albert Gallatin
Class Of 2026
Jersey #24
HT/WT 5’10 / 160
551 yards rushing 10 touchdowns 34 total tackles (4 tackles for loss) 5 sacks 7 forced fumbles
Other sports Wresting, Track & Field, Baseball
FCCA All County First Team Prep Redzone Camp MVP 2023 PRZPA Stock Up Camp: 3rd Team Offense US Army Bowl National Combine Invitee
Twitter @MakelDarnell
If you answered all the above, please answer a minimum of 10 questions or all of them. MORE IS BETTER, College coaches read these!!!
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Why do you play football?
Football makes me a better person. It helps me to stay focused and teaches me to be disciplined.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
Running out onto the field with my teammates just before the game starts.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
Jackie Robinson. He broke barriers in Major League Baseball and had a lot of courage and determination. Most people probably don’t know he was an awesome running back in football as well as a star player in basketball and track and field while in college at UCLA.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
In Oct of my freshman season, I had a 75 yard kick off return for a touchdown against Weir. That was a great game for me in general – I ran the ball 15 times for 108 yards and had 2 other touchdowns.
What was last years season like for you?
Overall the season was a great learning experience. I knew I was athletic enough to play varsity but it took some time to adjust to the changes in the game that happen constantly. I just knew every time I was out on the field I wanted to make an impact. I had 551 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 34 total tackles (4 tackles for loss), 5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles.
What are your goals for this coming season?
There’s no post-season for us because we aren’t in the WPIAL but as a team we want to win every game and go undefeated. For me personally, I would like to get to 1,000 yards rushing and at least match touchdowns from last year. I love playing defense – when I am on the field I want the tackle, interception or to cause the fumble. Every play I just want to give my best effort for the team and play my role.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
I wouldn’t say there’s a particular player I lined up against – but I do enjoy playing Connellsville and Uniontown. I grew up with many of the players playing other sports and have some cousins on those teams. Winners always get bragging rights for the year so getting the wins are important.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Last fall, I was a prospect invitee to a Penn State game and had the chance to be on the sideline during warm ups and in the stadium with over 100k fans for the game. It was my first college game ever so the bar is set pretty high. I would want to go to Penn State again as many college games as possible this year. Clemson and Texas A&M are probably high on my list too.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Kansas City Chiefs
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
Super Bowl LVII – Chiefs vs Eagles.. I just knew when Skyy Moore lined up wide left on 3rd and goal the ball was going to him.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
Creed – besides the action – it is the epic underdog story that really motivates me to work hard to achieve my own goals.
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
I have never heard them during a game – but when I asked them they said ‘Defense’ and ‘Let’s go AG’ and they tell me to play my game.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
I would like to do a back flip to celebrate scoring … while it won’t happen in high school if I make it to the league I can’t wait to do tuddy celebrations.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
This is a tough one. I’ve had so many people push me to where I am today, but I would say Coach Dindl of Albert Gallatin, Coach K and Coach Zel of Athletes-in-Training and some special family friends have impacted my football life the most. The best advice I was ever given was ‘Don’t let them tell you who you are, let them be a witness to who you become.’ (Sigh) I may have given up if it wasn’t for them pushing me to look past where I am to become better every day.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Baseball. I played travel and school ball in JH, but because my focus has shifted to football, in the spring I play 7v7 with Athletes In Training.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
My most embarrassing moment happened in my first varsity game as a freshman – I fumbled a punt return and the opposing team picked it up to score. (But I will say – it made a 71yd punt return for a touchdown a month later so much sweeter).
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My little brother Averyon – he isn’t so little though – he’s 140lbs of muscle going into the 8th grade. Just like most brothers – he wants to be me – and I want him to be better than me. He is my best competition.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
I am a gamer – Fortnite and GTA are my go-tos – but I also like to escape and go fishing 🎣.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
The last game of my freshman season. After the game was over I knelt in the middle of the field knowing we aren’t in the WPIAL and there is no post season so I was so sad. That moment will stay with me forever because it reminded me that every time I get to play the game I should be the best I can be.
What is your favorite play to run?
Counter – I’ve picked up a lot of yards and TDs with this play as the RB.
What scares you the most?
Getting injured (and maybe heights)
Music of choice:
Rod Wave
What was your favorite gift as a little boy? Why?
A football. I had no idea that gift would change my life that way it has.
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
McDonald’s or Dairy Queen.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Punta Cana. My family went to Dreams Macao after the season in 2022 and I met some of the greatest people (who worked there). We still talk until this day and I consider them my family (and part of my fan club hahaha).
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
I don’t remember the game – but I remember the player: Rodney Gallagher. We lived in LH school district at the time and went to see a high school game. Can’t wait to watch him at WVU as well…
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