East County Athlete of the Week: Kingston Kokoefer

It was a true defensive clinic for Out-of-Door Academy football on Oct. 10 against Seffner Christian, and Kingston Kokoefer played a sizable role in the team's 19-7 victory. The sophomore wide receiver/running back/free safety pulled down a pair of interceptions for the No. 7 Thunder (7-1) as they knocked off the Crusaders, ranked No. 3 in the Sunshine State Athletic Association. Kokoefer is the East County Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing flag football when I was young, and in eighth grade, I started playing tackle. So this is my third year playing tackle football. I always loved football, and watched it when I was young — every second — growing up.

You're listed on both offense and defense for Out-of-Door Academy football, so what is your preferred position and why?

It's different for me every game, actually. Some games I really like offense and catching the ball and scoring touchdowns. Then some games I really like playing the boom, hitting people, getting interceptions. I used to only play offense, but now I've started to grow more into a defensive type of guy.

What's been the highlight of your season so far?

Honestly, just being here with the seniors. It's one of the biggest things. I love being with the seniors. And (I love) how our team just rallies together, like you saw on Friday with our defense. Everyone was together and came out with a big win.

What's been the most humbling moment of your career?

I've definitely had some. Maybe my first year playing tackle coming from seven-on-seven, non-contact, and trying it out. The difference is just that I didn't know what it was like to get hit until my first game.

What are your goals for your sophomore season with ODA?

I want to go super far in the playoffs, maybe get to the state championship. Just keep doing what I'm doing, helping the team. And I want to finish the season off good with the seniors.

What do you love most about playing for this program?

I feel like there's never a dull moment. Every practice is always fun, everyone's just together. It's a really good community.

What's one quote, if any, you live your life by?

Something I live by every day is not changing who you are for anyone. Just doing what you do every day, and always being who you are.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would you meet and why?

(Cristiano) Ronaldo. I like soccer, and he's the best guy.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

To get away from the Florida weather, I'd probably want to go to Antarctica.

If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item to survive, what item would you bring and why?

Water is the main thing. You can go really far with water.

What's your favorite movie?

Mission Impossible. Probably the recent ones.

What's your go-to, pre-game hype music?

I'm not too big on rap, so maybe some Taylor Swift.

Finish this sentence. Kingston Kokoefer is...

Caring.