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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Drew Devillier commits to Rice as a dual-sport athlete
One of the heartbeats of a football program is a talented quarterback who plays hard, focuses on building his football IQ, and continues to learn the game. Colleges across the nation often look for resilient quarterbacks who are willing to go the distance for their program. At Plano East, Drew Devillier is just that. VYPE DFW recently caught up with Devillier following his announcement to commit to Rice University as a dual-sport athlete in both football and baseball.
Committed!! I want to thank God, my family, and my coaches for helping me get here! Go Owls!! @RiceFootball @RiceBaseball @mbloom11 @therealTUI @PlanoEastFB @peshbaseball pic.twitter.com/QfSDCiHqVE
— Drew Devillier (@DevillierDrew) June 19, 2023
Talented in the pocket for Plano East, Devillier was awarded First Team All-District for 6-6A after recording 2,271 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season. Doubling as a right-handed pitcher for Plano East baseball, Devillier continues to be an athletic standout to the universities watching his high school success which is why it comes as no surprise that Rice University extended a dual-sport athlete offer to this young man. Check out VYPE DFW's exclusive interview with Devillier now:
The decision to leave home is not always an easy one. What impacted your decision when choosing to commit to Rice?
"Rice is only about four hours from home, so it is possible to have family and friends come to my games. The opportunity to play both football and baseball was too intriguing to pass up. And the coaching staff and facilities for both programs are impressive."
What has been your favorite memory playing with Plano East so far?
"Our start to my junior football season last year was exciting. We had to come back from behind in all three games and started 3-0."
What professional athlete do you look up to-- why?
"I grew up a Drew Brees fan because our family is big New Orleans Saints fans. Now I'm a Joe Burrow fan from his days at LSU and as a pro. He's got the game to back up his swagger."
What has been your biggest accomplishment during your high school season so far?
"Winning First Team All-District last year was great because it showed that other coaches we played against liked the way that I played."
Do you have a gameday routine that you stick to?
"On game day, I like to stay loose so I don't really have a strict routine now. I do like to take a lap around the field before the game to warm up."
What do you do in the offseason to ensure that your skills are sharp for the season ahead?
"I train with QB Country and Landry Klann in Plano. He likes to have us bring our receivers to get extra reps with them. I also like to work on the side with receivers on the weekends and at 7v7 games."
What is your mindset going into each new season?
"Every year is a new year with a new team and new opportunities. I just try to stay focused on the job ahead of me and help my team get to the playoffs. My competitive nature keeps me working hard. That's no secret, it's just something I need to be successful."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your team's success?
"Coach Benedetto and his staff have been instrumental in creating a new culture of high expectations at Plano East. It showed early last year, but injuries and a very tough district were challenging for us. This year, we are all learning from last year so we can take the next step as a team."
TRUSTING THE PROCESS: Pearland’s Mader-Cooper a piece to winning puzzle
As expected, Pearland Baseball is on a tear this season.
The playoffs are on the horizon and the Oilers are standing atop their district with an undefeated 7-0 record (20-5-1 overall) and have their sights set on a deep playoff run.
Several of the usual suspects for Pearland -- LHP Caden Ferraro (Texas A&M-signee), LF Brett Smajstrla (Sam Houston) and SS Anthony Avalos (Houston) -- have been enjoying stellar seasons.
However, one name that’s flown under the radar is junior RHP/MIF Jake Mader-Cooper, who has relished the opportunity to play for Pearland.
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
“I’m honored to be a part of such a great group of players and the community surrounding us,” said Mader-Cooper. “Everyone puts in the work every day and lifts each other up. Our group is very hungry and it helps that we have so much talent on the team.”
Mader-Cooper is one of the many standouts residing in the Oilers bullpen, which has been a key contributor to Pearland’s success thus far.
“We have put a lot of trust in our coaching staff and have just been having fun,” he said. “We are such a close group that can have fun while we put the work in. As a whole, we’re playing unselfish baseball and we’re manufacturing runs with key people making big plays. Whether it be through bunts, stealing bases or just getting a hit, we’re doing everything we can to help the team reach our goal of a State Title.”
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
Mader-Cooper’s baseball journey was initiated by the influence of his family during his childhood, which has driven the Pearland junior the whole way.
“I have been playing from a young age and just fell in love with the game,” Mader-Cooper said. “My parents were both Division 1 athletes and put me in the position to be the best that I can be. I think the most important aspect is loving me and trusting the process. You just need to enjoy the journey and trust that your hard work will pay off.”
It seems that the process has been working, considering Mader-Cooper committed to play for Rice once he graduates a year from now.
“I committed to Rice my sophomore year since I really liked the coaching staff,” he said. “Coach [José] Cruz [Jr.] is a great influence and I’m looking forward to playing for him. Rice is also a great school, academically, and the current players there have said good things.”
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
And what future does the Rice-commit see for himself?
“I hope to be in the minor or major leagues one day, or perhaps in medical school,” said Mader-Cooper. “God has a plan for me and I’m just here to follow his lead and give 100-percent in everything I do.”
Anticipate an exceptional regular season finish for Mader-Cooper and Pearland Baseball, as that will only be the beginning.