North Marion quarterback AJ Cussins gearing up for junior season
CITRA, Fla. — As a sophomore this past season, AJ Cussins stepped into a prime position as the quarterback of the North Marion High School football team.
Having been able to sit back and watch from three-year starter Quintin Gross during his freshman season, Cussins proved more than ready to take over the reins last fall.
He finished the season with over 2000 passing yards in just nine regular season games. He also threw 18 touchdowns versus just six interceptions. He led the Colts to a 6-3 regular season record, including victories in each of their last three games.
For all the passing yards and touchdowns Cussins threw as a sophomore, he specifically remembers a mistake he made in a game against Menendez High School.
鈥淲e were driving down the field and I threw an interception in the red zone,鈥� Cussins explained. 鈥淚 overcame this, though, by finishing the game with a career high 306 passing yards.鈥�
The Colts ended up winning that game, 17-10. That game would also go a long way in helping North Marion eventually win the Florida High School Athletic Association鈥檚 Class 5A District 4 championship.
For Cussins and his North Marion teammates, though, the season came to an end in the playoffs when they fell to West Florida, 35-14. However, the relationships and building blocks are in place for future success under head coach Greg Carr.
鈥淚 love the environment and feeling that football gives you when you鈥檙e succeeding or even just being able to practice,鈥� Cussins said. 鈥淵ou create a brotherhood that cannot be broken.
鈥淏eing a member of my team has taught me how to persevere through things that are difficult because whenever we have workouts or a close game, you want to win for your teammates and coaches.鈥�
Before games, Cussins likes to have some alone time where he separates himself from the team. While he is alone he prays and gets mentally prepared for the game ahead before going back with his team. These are part of the pre-game rituals that Cussins has found work for him.
Talk to coaches and scouts alike and they all have great things to say about Cussins and his future. He is already rated as a three-star recruit, according to Six Star Football.
Playing the quarterback position can be a daunting task for some. However, Cussins takes it all in stride.
鈥淭he biggest challenge in my sport is understanding all aspects of the game,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he way I manage this is by listening to my coaches and studying the game as much as possible.鈥�
Along the way, Cussins has received strong advice from both his dad and Carr. He has taken both of what they said to heart and tried to apply it to his game and life to become a better player and person.
鈥淭he best advice my dad gave me was, 鈥榣et your actions speak louder than your words and your work ethic will you achieve your dreams,鈥欌�� explained Cussins, who stands at 6-foot, 190 pounds. 鈥淭he best advice I received from coach Carr was, 鈥榟aving a strong mindset can help you accomplish anything in life.鈥欌��
When he isn鈥檛 playing football, or even basketball as he also does, Cussins enjoys fishing and spending time with his family outdoors. He especially enjoys being on the water.
Though his journey of football is still being written, Cussins has a lot of people to thank that have allowed him to get to this point. Many coaches, supporters and his parents have all played integral roles in helping him succeed.
Now gearing up for his junior season under center at North Marion, Cussins hopes to take last year鈥檚 success and turn it into even greater success during the 2022 season. And ultimately, he hopes to be playing on Saturday鈥檚 once he graduates in 2024.
鈥淢y athletic dreams are to play Division I football and become the best football player I can be,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also want to obtain a degree from a top-level university.鈥�
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