While DaeJuan Joseph is only a sophomore, he is already stealing the show and dominating NVD football.
For the first time in many years, NVD had an undefeated record in the regular season and stood strong as they entered the playoffs. The football team’s first round of playoffs against North Bergen was a knockout at 27-8. Saturday, November 2, they entered the next round, but lost to Cliffside Park 27-33. Joseph is an essential player on the team with a total of seven receiving touchdowns and 623 yards of receiving yardage.
Throughout the season, Joseph helped continuously carry the team to victory, and explains the rewarding feelings it brought.
“It is super exciting to know that my hard work throughout the offseason paid off much sooner than expected. I’m happy I was able to earn the trust of my coaches and teammates as well as contribute to every game,” Joseph said.
Joseph says he thrives off of the support and encouragement of not only the students, but the crowd that appears at all the games. Even in the away games, NVD students showed their pride and support in the team.
“Having a big crowd helps immensely, it’s easier to play well when there is a huge student section that is supportive and loud,” he said. “I felt that the crowd this year was amazing.”
The NVD student section helps fill the bleachers to support the team. Every week a new theme helps the crowd support and look unified.
“The energy they brought every week helped remind me that I’m not playing just for the love of the sport but also to bring honor to our school, community, and family,” Joseph said.
The NVD Football team as a whole is a very dedicated and close-knit community. Joseph explains how the team has gotten more familiar to one another as the season went on.
“The day before a game, after practice we have a team dinner. Every dinner we have gotten closer to one another because of the laughs and conversations,” Joseph said.
While football is a single season sport, the work Joseph puts in is year round. He intends to stay fit throughout the winter and spring seasons.
“I plan on getting faster, bigger, and stronger by lifting weights in the winter. I also plan on doing spring track to get faster for football,” he said. “I have high expectations for next year so this offseason is very important to me.”
While this has been a very successful year for Joseph, he understands the commitment and dedication he must continue to bring to the team.
“I still have so much to learn; I plan on using the time I have left to my advantage to grow as an athlete and scholar,” Joseph said.
