Jared CohenJoy Christian High School has never had a football player play at the division I level.
One year from now, that statement will no longer be the case as Coach Brian Cole and the Eagles have two soon-to-be senior wide receivers that have the talent to do so and are getting the attention.
Dujuan Lawrence already has his first division I offer from South Dakota state coming off of a season where he led the Eagles in receptions (44), receiving yards (705) and second in receiving touchdowns (9). He was second in receiving touchdowns to his partner in crime, Isaiah Goodspeed who had ten touchdowns and was second in receptions (43) and receiving yards (693). Goodspeed is yet to receive his first offer but because of his 3.8 GPA which landed him on the Sports360AZ All-Academic Honorable Mention list last season, is getting Ivy League attention, mainly from Harvard who has him high on their recruiting board.
“To be the first to to ever come out of Joy Christian, it would just be awesome,” said Goodspeed. “To put our names in history of Joy Christian. I’ve been talking to a lot of different schools and a lot of coaches I am starting to build close relationships with.”
“I mean, it is really exciting,” added Lawrence who just recently received his first division I offer. “South Dakota State is now in my back pocket so I can take it easy now. It’s not like the pressure is on me anymore. Before you have that first offer, you are just grinding and grinding.”
Looking at their stats from last season, it shows what a weapon the two are on the offensive side of the ball. Their stats are almost identical which shows that the defense can’t key in on just one player. Because of that, Quarterback Matt Mitchell is able to take advantage of the advantages Lawrence and Goodspeed could have on their opponents without double teams doing into play.
“it’s really nice knowing that our Quarterback Matt can go to either one of us and know that either one of us can make the play,” explained Goodspeed. “Knowing we will come down with the ball and help our team win.”
“It’s great because you know if it’s not going to you, it’s probably going to him,” mentioned Lawrence. “I would at us as three weapons with me, Goodspeed and Matt because Mack is just as versatile as any of us. It’s just amazing.”
Both Lawrence and Goodspeed as well as Mitchell competed in the state track meet as well last weekend which saw them help bring home first place in the 4×100 meter relay in division IV. Like for many football players, track is a great opportunity to help build their speed and technique which helps on the football field.
“It translates a lot,” explained Goodspeed. “For example, coming out of the blocks hard is like coming out of a receiver route. Getting off the line hard and just footwork is a big thing, keeps my speed up and helps with the competitive edge also.”
“It’s basically the same stuff,” said Lawrence. “Coming out of the blocks because you’ve got to stay low, stay vertical. It’s like taking off on a go route.”
