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- Name: Justin Valentin
- Position(s): LB/FB
- Height/weight: 5’6 205
- Jersey #: 32
- School & Class: Upper Moreland '26
- GPA: 3.0
- Key Stats: 75 tackles junior year
- Awards: pride and desire award
- Hudl Link: Justin Valentin
- Favorite NFL team: Eagles
Quote from the head coach: “Justin is an 'old school' football player. He loves the game and everything that goes into becoming the best player he can be. He trains, practices, and studies the game like few players I have seen.” -Adam Beach
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for UM this season or in your career?
“My proudest moments are when I see how our summer work paid off during the season.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“UM vs WISS in over time, I made the game winning tackle, but let’s not forget it’s a team win and a team effort.”
What’s the toughest part of playing FB/ LB and how do you prepare for it?
“The toughest part about linebacker is you need everything down to execute. You need the eyes the hips the feel for when you have to engage someone. You need to always be on high alert. As a fullback I just block or run the ball, it’s pretty simple. Both things that are common in both are taking hits really hard, and that’s what I’m meant for.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“There’s no NFL player I admire. It’s not the way people play it’s about their mindset. How humble are you?
How are you gonna move onto the next play if something doesn’t go your way?
"Those are the things I look for in players. So I admire Coach beach for teaching me those life lessons.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“I definitely am trying to make my pass drop better and to get on an angle as a LB. You can always get better even if you were the best.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I was always a bad kid in school and my parents wouldn’t let me play football if I didn’t do good in school, so that was a way to help me do better in school. I am probably the most passionate person about football. I love the summer work I love the grind, I love competing with people. One thing that will always stick with me is “iron sharpens iron”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My biggest supporter is definitely my mom, coach Beach and the UM staff including the players. Also another supporter of mine is my girlfriend Hannah. My mom has always been there for me when I needed her. Coach beach is literally like a father figure to me. Beach is always teaching me something new everyday and make sure I do great in school. Beach is a fair guy that understands you and will help you with anyway possible. Beach is someone I always wanna stay in contact with.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“A challenge I had to overcome was the mindset. Freshman and sophomore year I had the worst mindset on being mad all the time and keep my head down when things wouldn’t go my way.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Playing in the Suburban One League is a blessing. Playing football is a blessing. It shapes you to a man you never thought you would become. The SOL gave me a purpose for after high school and I’m so grateful for everything.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“Two hours before a game I go to Wawa and get two packs of chicken bites with a Pedialyte. While I do that I see the trainer and talk for a bit and get a salt packet to take before the after and during halftime. I listen to music and lock in. 5 minutes before heading up to the field with the team me and a friend Darius whetstone, we pray together as Christians.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“Run this town is the best hype song before game. I can feel the blood coursing through my veins and I am just so hyped and ready to play.”
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“My coaches and teammates call me juice or juicy. I earned it because I bring the juice I bring the hype and I bring the motivation. I bring it in the weight room and I bring it on the field as well as the class room.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with UM?
“My biggest goal is to go 10-0 and to win the SOL by beating PW this year and it will happen.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“I am definitely eyeing college football. I have my first offer from Ursinus which is an amazing college with amazing coaching staff.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“I see myself starting on the college football field making great plays for the college I will commit too. I also see myself being an Academic weapon.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for UM in the Suburban One League special to you?
“Like I said playing football especially for UM which is a team of pride and hard work even when everyone is on vacation is a blessing. This is something that will always be on the front of my mind.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“One person that is a standout player that doesn’t get enough credit is Darius whetstone. He is the best of the best. His hard work shows it in the weight room and on the field. Darius is a dominant player on the O line and on the D line. I really don’t know how he doesn’t have anyone D2 or D1 offers yet but his time will come during this season I have high expectations for this amazing player.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“The most memorable crowd and best moment I experienced is when we beat Wissahickon in OT.”
I also just wanna say, “THANK YOU COACH BEACH FOR EVERYTHING.”