Great teams are built on leadership, and for Durant senior Axel Thurman, that starts with himself. “I want to improve as a teammate, act more of a leader and a role model for my teammates to follow,” he said. With his final year of high school football ahead, Thurman is focused on making an impact that goes beyond just tackles and touchdowns.
What sets this season apart from others, Thurman says, is the team’s mental approach. “I think this team has prepared differently, by our mindset. I think overall we are starting to have a better mindset and mentality,” he explained. That sharpened focus has paved the way for players to step up in a big way. “The biggest improvement I have seen so far is people stepping up and being leaders,” he added.
The goal is clear in Durant’s locker room: make a serious playoff run. “The team’s ultimate goal is to go to the state championship, but we really want to make a great run in the playoffs,” Thurman said. “The team and I have been working harder than ever this offseason.”
He credits much of that ambition to a rare collection of talent. “I think the team’s biggest strength right now is our talent. We have more talent than I have ever seen,” he noted. Thurman will be doing his part at middle linebacker and fullback, two physically demanding positions that require brains and brawn. “When reading a defense, you got to look at the size of the D-line and find any holes you can,” he said.
And when it comes to preparation? “I wouldn’t say there is really a way to prepare yourself for a game that involves a high number of touches,” he admitted. “You just have to be on point and tough it out.”
His favorite football moment so far came during his sophomore year. “We were playing against Tulsa Memorial, there was a fumble, and I picked it up and ran it all the way back for a touchdown.”
“My absolute favorite hype song is Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman,’” he added with a smile.
Axel Thurman, a 5’9” senior at Durant, competes in football, baseball, wrestling, and powerlifting. He plans to major in software engineering while playing college football after graduation.
