By Lauren Estes-Velez

For the Enquirer

Falkville senior running back Fred Walls is still on a high from the season opener in Burl Vest stadium against Danville 54-7.

Here he shares his goals, pre-game and post-game routines and some of the things he loves most about being a Blue Devil.

Q: You’re coming off your first win of the season over a rather challenging rival. How does it feel to have played such a pivotal role in that victory?

A: “It feels amazing knowing I can help my team perform like we did. I’ll keep working every day to be better than yesterday so it’ll show on the field on Friday nights.”

Q: You’re the starting running back, but if you weren’t playing that role, where would you want to be on the field and why?

A: “On the sideline, so that I can see what other running backs are doing so maybe I can help them perform at a higher level.”

Q: What are a few goals you have set to achieve this year?
A: “I have been setting goals since ninth grade. The way I see it, you make the goals every year and push yourself to achieve the goal.

“My first goal would be to have 1,500 rushing yards this year with 15 touchdowns. My second goal would be to lead my team to the state championship and win it all. My final and third goal would be to graduate and play in college football.”

Q: Who is one collegiate or professional player you look up to?

A: “I look up to Derrick Henry. I went to an Alabama camp, and Nick Saban said he would ask Derrick the same question every day, which was ‘How you doing today Derrick?’ And he said, ‘Great. I’m just glad God gave me the ability to be here.’ That’s the way I see it I’m glad God gave me the ability to do what I do on the field and off the field.”

Q: What’s one skill on the field you’d like to improve in these next nine-plus games?
A: “I would love to better myself at catching the ball on routes just as much as carrying the ball.”

Q: What are your favorite pre-game and post-game meals?

A: “My favorite pre-game meal has to be steak and mashed potatoes, and my post is spaghetti.”

Q: Have you gotten a great piece of advice or encouragement from a player, fan, parent or coach? What was it?

A: “I have received lots of encouragement from people, but the best has to be my dad saying every day to keep a positive attitude and go put in work, and it will show on the field.”

Q: What’s a team goal for the 2018 season?

A: “We have set multiple goals, but my favorite is to come to work every day – that way we can impose our will on everyone.”
Q: Why do you feel it’s important to be a leader both on and off the field?
A: “To be leader to me means everything because you never know who is looking up to you, and one day they will be in your shoes. Hopefully they will try and lead just like me or any other leader.”

Q: Do you have a special pre-game routine you do by yourself or with your teammates?
A: “I have multiple dance routines with teammates we do every pre-game warm up, and I love to listen to inky Johnson before every game as well!”