Interview: Baker prepares for a 'Savage' performance

The Great Change: What’s been the best part of playing with your teammates and for your school this year?

Baker: The best part of playing with my teammates is the brother hood bond and hunger we have to be great. I know that when things get tough, all I have to do is look to my right or to my left and I have people to call on who will come help me fight it out…

The Great Change: What have you learned over the season that you want to use against OBU?

Baker: I’ve gotten better with my technique, and being more flexible with my body, which helps me  tremendously when it comes to breaking down, and getting low, making difficult plays against my opponents.

The Great Change: How confident are you are your team about going up against ranked OBU?

Baker: To be honest, we as a team believe WE are the better team and we will win if we all play discipline football. Don’t get me wrong... Ouachita is a great football team, but we have shown what we can do when we all do our job and play discipline football. This is a big game. This game could keep us in rankings for playoffs or kick us out. So this is a build up of everything we worked for this season.

The Great Change: Coming off such a tremendous last performance do you think the offense will game plan for you?

Baker: Tough question, honestly I don’t think they will game plan just for me. Because without my defensive line, most of the plays I made would’ve never be possible. If they do plan their game around me, they’re going to be in trouble, because we have good football players!

The Great Change: Are there any shoutouts you’d like to make going into tomorrow’s game?

Baker: I would first of all like to give praise to the most of all Our King, Our Lord and Savior, without him nothings possible. Thank my family for their support; my coaches, my team and my friends. Time to go get this dub!  #CertifiedSteppa

NFL Draft Interview: Demarcus Ayers

Hello valued readers!

Today we would like to send our best wishes to Dallas native Demarcus Ayers as he prepares for today's 2016  NFL draft. Today many young men will see their drams come true. These young men have put in years of focus and dedication and will now finally rewarded. Demarcus Ayers attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Texas where his talents earned him college attention. Ayers committed to the University of Houston Cougar football program where he dazzled audiences, opponents and defensive coordinators with his speed and ability to make plays. Ayers was seen from all angles in the Houston Cougar offensive attack during his three years on campus. In the ACC, Demarcus excelled as a slot receiver, special teams kick returner, and even had a moment as quarterback, in the Cougar's win over the Florida State University Seminoles in the Peach Bowl, when he threw for a touchdown. Ayers is now ready to make the leap of faith to the next level.

We had the chance to catch up with Demarcus Ayers on Draft Day, our conversation and Demarcus' NFL Draft Profile are below!

The Great Change: The process to becoming an NFL Draft pick is a ling process beginning the moment you declare for the draft, how has the process been for you?

Demarcus Ayers: It has been an unbelievable process for my family and I, we're enjoying it.

The Great Change: What words do you have for your teammates that you will be leaving behind in the University of Houston Cougar program?

Demarcus Ayers: To keep working. To take advantage of every opportunity you get. Keep God first.  Anything is possible.

The Great Change: Who would you like to thank for helping you along your way to success?

Demarcus Ayers: My high school coach Chris Gilbert. I've been knowing him since eighth grade. He recognized my potential early and pushed me to be the best in school and with football. He taught me how to carry myself and how to do everything with confidence.

NFL Draft Profile: Demarcus Ayers

Height: 5'9"

Arm Length: 31 1/4"

Weight: 182 lbs

Hands: 9 1/4"

40-yard dash: 4.66 seconds 

Vertical: 35 inches 

Broad jump: 10 feet 

Short shuttle: 4.33 seconds 

3-cone: 7.0 seconds

Source: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/demarcus-ayers?id=2555465

Thanks you for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

Interview: Chappelle Continues Football Career

Hello valued readers!

Today, we have the privilege of congratulating and commending East Texas football standout, Jeremey Chappelle, for his opportunity to continue his career at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. Jeremey Chappelle has had a remarkable journey to this point in his career. Originally from Jacksonville, Texas, Chappelle has always had success in various sports. Whether in UIL competition or on the AAU circuit. Mentored by Stacy Hunter, Chappelle's uncle, he was able to harness his skill sets and make the leap to the collegiate level at Tyler Junior College. After completing his time at TJC, Jeremey joined the Stephen F. Austin State University football program. From SFA, Chappelle accepted the opportunity to hold a roster spot with the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, until ultimately deciding to seek other football programs. In the midst of school changes, Chappelle's family and the entire East Texas community, including myself, suffered a great loss when Stacy Hunter was murdered at his nightclub on October 20, 2012 in Jacksonville, Texas. In the face of this darkness, Chappelle retreated to the depths of his mind, leaning on his support system and made the decision that his passion for the game of football was still burning and maintained his faith. Faith without works is dead. With that being said, Chappelle has put in the work to join the Northeastern State University football squad. We had the chance to catch up with Jeremey and ask him a few questions.

Our conversation is below enjoy!

The Great Change: At this point in your football career how do you feel about your abilities and confidence on the field?

Chappelle: I'm twenty-four now. My knowledge of the game is much better. I feel as if I'm better right now than I ever been. I was coming off a great spring at Mississippi State. Hopefully it will transgress to my new school.

The Great Change: What has your career taught you about the game of football, thus far. that you want to immediately put to work in your upcoming opportunity at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma?

Chappelle: My career is a lot different from others. This will be my fourth college I'm attending. My career has taught me to never give up and to always keep faith. I will IMMEDIATELY showcase my hard work and dedication to the game when I arrive on campus. Football is life for me. Its the greatest game to teach you about life.

The Great Change: Aside from the legacy that Stacy Hunter, your uncle, has left on the program you will be joining, what legacy do you plan to build?

Chappelle: The past few years NSU hasn't been very successful. In fact, they've been pretty bad. I want to win games, that's it. Winning games brings things like breaking records and scoring a lot of points but I care more about winning games.

The Great Change: What relationship are you looking to build with your fellow teammates and coaching staff?

Chappelle: Every school I've been to, I've built special relationships with my teammates and coaches. I don't think it will be different this time. Teammates are your brothers and that's how I treat them.

The Great Change: Who do you want to thank for your success?

Chappelle: I was raised by my mama, my grandma, and uncle. Those three had a big hand on my life. My mother is a single parent. She has been through it all, with me. Time, and time again I got myself into situations. My mom would come to the rescue. Getting me out of a bind. She's the reason I'm graduating with my bachelors degree. Her love for me has pushed me to do better for myself.

The Great Change: What advice do you have for youngsters with big dreams that are facing adversity?

Jeremey Chappelle: To any youngster with dreams that has been facing adversity, please don't give up. Keep a vision of your goals and do what you have to do to attain those goals. Life is all about highs and lows. In the midst of your highs be ready for your lows. The true content of a man is seen when he faces adversity. Keep your faith and finish.

Thanks for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

Hardin-Simmons University football standout goes pro!

Today, we would like to share with our valued readers, the story of a young man who maintained faith in the midst of adversity and received a blessing of a lifetime. Trei Lewis, a former Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy wide receiver has been selected for the roster of The Abilene Warriors football squad. We had a chance to ask Mr. Lewis about this experience. Check it out below!

The Great Change: What was the feeling that you felt when you learned that you had made the cut?

T. Lewis: When I made the cut, I felt like it was much deserved. It is not because of cockiness, but more so because of my consistent hardwork and dedication I have put in this game. I also kept my faith when it seemed that opportunities to play ball were starting to fade in my mind. I still believed I could play and be effective at the professional level. I'm truly blessed for the opportunity that awaits.

The Great Change: What is the biggest improvement that you want to bring to your game in the pros from the collegiate level?

T. Lewis: I want to become even MORE dominant and come in the locker room and make an immediate impact to show the coaches, and my fellow teammates, how serious I am about making plays and winning. These coaches are professionals and also have strong connections to the NFL, you never know what could happen. So I definitely want to be focused on great technique and the details of my position and playmaking that will happen based on my athletic abilities.

The Great Change: Who would you like to give thanks to for helping you achieve this goal?

Trei Lewis: I definitely want to thank God for helping keep my faith and blessing me through my trials and triumphs. My family; my mom and brother, have been so motivating to my success. I want to be able to take care of them. They keep me going everyday. Lastly, I want to thank my college coach Burleson for teaching me life lessons and giving me the tools to learn how to be a better man, not just a better ball player. 

The Great Change: What are your expectations for yourself this upcoming season?

T. Lewis: My expectations for this next coming season is to have the best season and have the most fun I have ever had while playing this game. I still have so much passion for this game. I am just excited and blessed to get the opportunity to play once more, because nothing is guaranteed. I definitely plan on opening some eyes as well, to people who are not really sure of my talents or are not aware of my talents. I would like to bring it to their attention. I always tell myself to train like the underdog, no matter what others say or what the odds are.

Trei Lewis' determination and hardworking has paid off and his story is an inspiration to everyone that knows this young man. Stay tuned to our blog for more stories!