NC State fans look forward to adding Page star QB James Summers
By John Olszewski Sports Carolina Monthly(www.sportscarolinamonthly.com)
CLICK HERE here to see September SCM with James Summers(Page High School) on the cover…..PDF file may take a little while to download, be patient….
North Carolina State and Coach Tom
O’Brien are looking forward to having
star quarterback James Summers from Page
High School arrive on campus next year.
But the athletic QB has some business to
finish first as he leads his very impressive
Page Pirates into the 2011 campaign with
thoughts of a State Championship.
Summers, a 6’2” 196 lb dual threat
quarterback committed to the Wolfpack
back in April of this year. He was being
recruited by several other schools including
North Carolina and East Carolina. He is
one of the most exciting players in the state
and the Page faithful are excited about this
year’s team. Summers led his Pirates to a
10-3 mark last year as a junior. The quick
Summers threw for 1,623 yards and 21
touchdowns to go along with 1,267 yards
rushing and 16 TD runs. Very impressive
stats for this phenomenal athlete but these
numbers may be surpassed this year with a
high expectation season on the line. Page
has started out 3-0 this year.
James seems to be great leader on the field
and just a great kid overall on and off the
field. Page Coach Kevin Gillespie thinks the
world of this kid and his entire team this
year. I asked Coach Gillespie about what he
thought of his star quarterback. He had this
to offer:
“It has been my pleasure to have coached
James for three years. He is a one of a
kind athlete. He has great size, speed,
and athleticism. He has all the intangibles
you look for in an athlete. He is a great
competitor, hard nosed, tough, and smart.
That is just a few of the attributes that make
him a great player. After saying all that I think
the best quality about him is he is a great kid.
He is fun to be around and he is a great team
player. He doesn’t care about the individual
stats or what he has to do on the field, just as
long as he can help his team win. He is the
kind of player that makes everybody around
him better. I will definitely miss him next
year but I know he will be making plays next
year on Saturdays.”
Some great words from his coach and
certainly a great relationship between these
two very competitive individuals.
I sat down and spoke to James and this is
what he had to say:
SCm-How and when did you pick football as
your sport of choice?
James – I was 10 years old and all of my friends
were playing so I decided to play, with a little
push from my step dad.
SCm-Who do you mirror your game after?
James – I don’t have anyone that I mirror my
game from I just like to use all my abilities to
there full potential.
SCm-What was it about North Carolina State
University that attracted you to plan on
continuing your academic and athletic career?
James – It’s a very good academic school that fits
my field of studies, I and also grew up as a State
fan. They’re offense fits my play on the field.
SCm-Have you had any second thoughts on
your college choice?
James – Yea I have had a couple thoughts about
UNC.
SCm-Is quarterback your position at NC
State or is there a chance of playing another
position?
James – Quarterback is the position I’m getting
recruiting as but there is also a good chance I
can be playing at wide out.
SCm-Please describe your practice routine
during the season and also during the off
season.
James – Practice: Fundamentals, Kicking game,
7 on 7’s, Inside drills, Team teach, 11 on 11’s.
SCm-What is your best moment in football to
this point?
James – My first varsity high school touchdown.
SCm-Who has been your Mentor as a student
athlete that has helped you get to where you
are right now?
James – My assistant principal Mr. Stewart.
SCm-Do you play any other sports?
James – Basketball and Track.
SCm-How do you think you handled the
recruiting process and how exciting was
it for you?
James – I think I handled it pretty well and it
was very exciting to meet and hear from the
different schools and coaches
SCm-Give me your favorite moment of being a
STUDENT at Page High School?
James – The Grimsley Pep Rally is always the best.
SCm-What are your goals as a team for this year?
James – STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!
Good luck to the powerful Page Pirates
this year and triad sports fans look forward
to a great season from James leading his
teammates to big accomplishments this year.
James Summers family:
Mother – Tonia Davis
Stepdad – George Carter
Sisters – Marissa Champman (22),
Keyona Davis (19), Shante Davis (18)
Brothers – Tyrone Davis (23), Kemp Young (16)
Nephew – Zyqarious Davis (3)