Hard work and determination making 2016 Midway CB up and coming prospect

Exclusive interview with Cairo Attaway

Few people can honestly say they wake up around 4:30 every morning to be at the gym by 5:00 a.m. for a workout before going to work. Even fewer can add that they again go for another workout after work all before going home and doing more work. This is the daily life of Midway High School cornerback Cairo Attaway.

Gym, school, football practice, and then home for school work followed by watching game tape; Attaway has the work ethic and determination to be successful that very few people possess.

At 5’10”, and a solid 170 pounds, the Waco area native tackles life off the field the same way as on the field, with no fear.

In an exclusive interview, Attaway sat down to talk about the 2014 high school football season, his game week preparations, and recruiting.

 

Cairo, Midway is 10-0 heading into the playoffs, how have you prepared for the biggest game of your season?

“We finished district play and start playoffs against Lee High School (Tyler). We started watching film on them about two weeks ago.”

What do you think of your matchup against Lee?

“They have a good offense, elusive quarterback. He runs the ball a lot. Their team will be a lot of work for our linebackers but we’ll be ready for them when they come.”

What are the keys to Midway getting that first win in the playoffs?

“Staying focused and not looking too far ahead. This game is the most important. We just have to keep working hard and we’ll be okay.”

What is the strength of this year’s football team?

“The strength of our team is our senior leadership. We have a lot of guys that have been great on and off the field. We have a lot of guys on our defense that are seniors helping lead the way.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“My biggest strength is man coverage. Covering receivers one on one, I have a strong upper body so I can guide them where I want them to go.”

What were your goals entering the 2014 football season?

“My goals were to see how far we could go into the playoffs, make sure I worked hard, weight training so I could be a heavy hitter, and give my all.”

Have you accomplished some of your goals?

“I believe so. I was invited to play in the NUC All-American game in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I’m very excited about the invite.”

The NUC (National Underclassmen Football Combine) All-American Game invites 50 players from the north and 50 players from the south to participate in a short camp before playing in the All-American game. Players are to report on December 27 before competing in the game on Dec. 30. High school players ranging from 9th to 12th grade are invited.

What schools are recruiting you?

“SMU, Missouri, Texas San Antonio, North Texas, and Arkansas are all showing a lot of interest. I’ve been on unofficial visits to SMU, Midwestern State, Univ. of Baylor, Texas San Antonio, Missouri, and I’m going to Univ. of Arkansas for the Ole Miss game (Nov. 22).”

Do you know what college camps you will attend this summer?

“I’m planning on going to Univ. of Texas San Antonio, SMU, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad has had the biggest impact on me with football. He motivates me to stay on the right track and keep improving and to keep working hard.”

Is there a college or NFL player you model your game after?

“Deion Sanders. I’ve been watching tap on him from FSU and when he was with the Cowboys. I’ve been following him since I was seven years old.”

One of your hobbies off the field is bodybuilding, how has that helped you on the field?

“Bodybuilding helps me by staying in shape. I have to have a good diet and I have to lift right. I’m at the gym lifting everyday by 5:00 a.m.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part of playing football is the camaraderie. I enjoy being around teammates and my brothers. I love playing under the lights and getting the chance to be physical.”

 

Photo credit: Attaway