Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Casey Izquierdo

College football recruiters have frequented Sarasota in recent weeks, and Casey Izquierdo has drawn their attention. The rising junior cornerback for Riverview High football received offers from FIU and Toledo on May 15 and 19, respectively. The Panthers' offer was his first from an NCAA Division I FBS program. Izquierdo is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

How did the spring season go for you?

Spring was great for me. I got to develop and grow more as a player, and get stronger and better every day. I feel like I'm getting more exposure as an athlete. My coach (Mark Cristiani) has been pushing me, so it's honestly a really good experience over at Riverview.

What does it mean to receive your first Div. I offer?

It's just a reflection of all the work I've put in. It's a blessing and an honor to even be able to be where I'm at today. Two years ago, I wouldn't even think I would have made it this far. I've just kept putting in that work and grinding.

What are your goals for this upcoming season?

I just want to be the best corner in the area, to be honest. I just want to lock it down, really cement myself as a Div. I player and get ready for the next level.

What do you enjoy about Riverview's football program?

It's a great culture run by (Cristiani). He does a really good job. He's been pushing me this offseason in every way possible. On the other side at the corner, I've got my dawg (rising junior cornerback Davtavius "Pinot" Parks) and we just push each other every day. We try to go against the best receivers and just (maintain an) "iron sharpens iron" mentality. You've got to get better every day.

When and why did you start playing football?

I used to live up in New Jersey, and my dad (Victor Izquierdo) was a coach. I used to play when I was younger — 6-7 years old — then I moved down to Florida, and I played for a year with the (Sarasota Sun Devils' Tiny Mites) and then I took a year off. I didn't really enjoy the sport back in the day. Then I came back, and I switched over to the Sarasota Seminoles, and that's where I flipped the switch. I started getting better. The coaches there, that culture and all those boys really pushed me. I was literally competing with the best of the best. If you look at our 14U championship team, everyone on that team's (going to the Div. I level).

After all these years, why have you stuck with this sport?

To be honest, I was thinking about quitting football a few years back. But the coaches and my parents just kept pushing me, and that just built passion behind it. It started taking off from there (as I got better and saw myself improve).

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

The name of the game is "GABOS." The game ain't based on sympathy.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I'm a really good fisherman. I'm pretty established in that area.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

It has to be Jalen Ramsey with his mentality at (cornerback).

Finish this sentence. Casey Izquierdo is...

A dawg.