The Players Corner: Mitch Hammond-LB, Sunlake High
Mitch Hammond- Sunlake
6’0 190lbs
Hammond is a tackling machine, in 2020 he totaled 97 tackles and 6 tackles for losses. He averaged over 12 tackles per game! Hammond has an incredible nose for the ball and is always in the right place, he’s not the biggest linebacker, but he makes up for it with intelligence, reading blocks, and taking good angles to the football. He’s also very good in pass coverage and shows the ability to cover backs out of the backfield or play zone. He’ll be one of the best linebackers in Pasco County this year
Talk about your junior season. How did it go and what did you learn from it?
Junior season was really weird since we had to wear masks and we even missed a couple games because of the virus. We only won 2 games which I guarantee won’t happen this season. I’ve learned to always try to make a play no matter what because you don’t know who may be watching, always try.
Sunlake has some key pieces returning this year on defense, you as a leader on defense what are your expectations for the defense as a unit this season?
A key part of our defense last year was not only the linebackers but also the defensive backs such as juju Galdos who was the main reason we were able to win the Butterbowl ( our rivalry game between land o lakes). I’m hoping that our defensive backs this season can help keep pass plays from being an option. Also the linebackers need to respect pass plays more and not just focus on run plays even though it is important.
Who is your biggest role model and guide in your life?
My biggest role model football wise would have to be Devin white, I’ve always been a Bucs fan and since he plays linebacker as well and was a key player that lead them to Super Bowl LV.
I had the privilege of watching you play in person and I thought you were one of the most instinctual linebackers I'd seen all year. What are you focusing on going into Fall camp to improve in other areas to up your game to the next level?
My main focus going into fall is to become faster stronger and meaner than the rest. Also when I make mistakes I get very mad I need to learn to control it so that I can benefit the team and not myself.
What colleges have looked at you in terms of interest and offers in particular as a rising senior?
I haven’t had any offers yet but I’ve talked with a few coaches from D3 schools such as Utica and Pudget Sound as well as having some interest from a coach as Southeastern University in Lakeland.
You had a fantastic year at Sunlake last season, Talk about what its like to play for Coach Burdick, and what are your most excited about with this years team?
To play for Coach Burdick is like having almost a second “dad” there watching over you making sure you do the right thing. He cares about building character that will help you in life. What I’m most excited about this season is that our offense looks much better than last season. Last season our offense didn’t do so well but I’m confident that this season our offense will put up some points.
What do you love most about playing football? What player do you model your game after?
The thing I love most about playing football is that I can hit people and get out my aggression, I’m not saying that to sound cool or mean I just get mad easily and need somewhere to get it out Although I like Devin white I try to play like Ray Lewis, who wouldn’t want to be like one of the greatest linebackers in the NFL.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
Some hobbies I like to do includes fishing and hunting. I like going to the beach and exploring Florida.
Personally, what is your ultimate goal with the game of football whether it be on the field or off of it?
Personally, I have no idea really my ultimate goal if possible I’d love to hopefully get a scholarship to play football in Florida but I wouldn’t mind playing in other states and meeting new people.
