2020 Player Profile: Damani Stafford, California Trojans @StaffordDamani @caltrojansfb

Tagged under: Player Previews

David Burnworth | July 10, 2020

Damani Stafford
California
Jersey #:4
Positions: RB, OLB
Height & Weight: 6’0″ 210lbs
40 Yard Dash: 4.72
Class of: 2022

How long have you been playing football?

10+ years

What other sports do you play?
I showed interest in basketball but after I was injured during my freshman year, I shied away from other sports to focus on football and stay healthy.

What life lessons have football taught you?
Football has taught me the importance of discipline and teamwork. I am also now able to celebrate every win, accept every loss, and still fight hard every week to never give up.

How often do you watch film on your opponents?

I watch film of my opponents and myself frequently. This helps me analyze my mistakes and determine what needs improvement.

Do you plan on playing college football?

Yes, it is a dream of mine to play college football.

Do you have any college offers? If so. Where?

I have not received any formal offers yet, just many emails and camp invitations before COVID-19.

What are your team and personal goals for the season?

A team goal of ours every year is to win the conference, but this year we want more. The ultimate goal is to succeed far into the playoffs. A personal goal of mine is to be the best QB and leader that my team can work well with and respect. I want to help lead the team to achieve our goals.

Do you prefer offense or defense?

I prefer offense more I love being “that guy” you know.I like stepping up and being the leader we need in tough situations.

What is the hardest part of practice?

The hardest part of practice is definitely when we do these things called fill-ups and at the beginning of every practice.We basically have to hit each other shoulder to shoulder in a series of bags and it’s so difficult because your shoulder starts hurting after awhile.

What is the best thing about playing at home?

Playing at home is the best because of community involvement. California residents really love the atmosphere of high school football and having their support helps drive us to do our best.

What is your favorite thing to do off of the field?

When I’m not on the field, I like to watch other players in action. Recently, I’ve been watching Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts film to try and perfect some things as a Quarterback.

What is your favorite type of music?

My favorite type of music is probably Rap/Hip-Hop but I occasionally listen to country as well.

What is your favorite book?

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare because it showed me not great anyone less of a person because we are all the same.

What is your favorite TV program?

My favorite TV show is All American because the story of Spencer James is similar to mine. He moves schools and attends a predominantly white school.

What is your favorite class?

My favorite classes are history and English. I love to learn about the past and all of the great people who made America what it is today. For example, Dr.Martin Luther King taking a step and being a voice for African Americans during the civil rights movement is what inspires me to crave leadership and responsibility so much. At the same time, I love to write because it helps me express myself.

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