West team | LB/WR
For two close friends, it doesn’t get much better than capping your high school football career by playing together as all-stars.
That’s the scenario this week for A.J. Carroll and Nasser Kyobe. After teaming up for four years at Meadowdale High School, Carroll and Kyobe were both selected for the 2009 East-West All-Star Football Game. They are practicing with their West teammates in preparation for Saturday’s game versus the East team.
“It’s just a blast having my best friend out here with me as a teammate,” Carroll said Tuesday morning after practice.
Since they were third-graders, Carroll and Kyobe have been best friends. Their families often spend time together. For a long time, Carroll and Kyobe hoped to play on the same college team. But in the end Carroll committed to Central Washington University and Kyobe to the University of Puget Sound.
That means they will savor every moment this week.
“We’re excited to play together one last time,” said Carroll.
Defensive duo
Carroll, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound outside linebacker, and Kyobe, a 6-2, 180-pound safety, both earned all-league first team honors this past fall at Meadowdale. Lining up on the strong side, they helped anchor the Mavericks’ defense.
Embracing new challenges
Through the first two practices, the West team made big strides, Carroll said: “We’ve gone far. Everyone knows exactly what they need to do.” Carroll and Kyobe even tried a new position on offense. “Nasser and I went from never playing wide receiver to a day later knowing exactly what to do.”
Lofa and the Hawks
Seahawks middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu is Carroll’s favorite pro player. “I watch him during the games and mimic what he does,” said Carroll. “He just lays his body out. He just knows what he’s doing and he’s a good teammate.”
Carroll roots for the Seahawks, almost out of obligation. “I think my grandma would kill me if any other team was my favorite,” he said, explaining that his grandma and dad are die-hard Hawks fans who have season tickets.
Dream job
Carroll would like to go into business and marketing. He already has some sales experience, although he might not want to put it on his resume. “I used to burn CDs and sell them to my younger brother,” he said.
At the movies
Carroll’s favorite movie (and TV show) is “Friday Night Lights,” the popular 2004 film about a high school football team in Texas.
Let’s eat
If he could have just one type of food the rest of his life, Carroll would pick steak. “I could eat steak for days,” he said. The best one he ever had was at the Metropolitan Grill in Seattle, where he went before prom last year.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
