2023 Player Spotlight/interview with Brayden Lemire from Liberty-Benton High School

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Brayden James Lemire

Liberty Benton

Positions played
WR/FS

Class
2025

How long have you played football, and what keeps you playing?
I’ve been playing football since I was in kindergarten. I started off with flag football, and about quit, but when I put the pads on I fell in love with it, which keeps me playing today just because I love it so much, and want to keep it a part of my life for a long time.

What are your personal goals for the 2023 season?
In the 2023 season, I want to improve drastically from last year. I’m aiming for 1st team BVC, and want to have at least 8 touchdowns, along with 800+ yards. I know it’ll take a lot to get it done, but I know I set these goals for myself because I know I can do it.

What are your thoughts on 16 teams from each region qualifying for the playoffs?
I think it’s the right amount. It is kinda cool to watch some teams from your region play and see some of the wild endings that can happen, but i think it’s good.

Where should the state finals be held?
First Energy Stadium in Cleveland

Who is the best player you have ever faced, along with the team he played for?
The best player I’ve ever faced is Ryan Montgomery. He goes to Findlay High School and is a QB, and he’s just on a whole different level than any QB I’ve ever seen at MY AGE.

Of all of the road games you have played, which stadium has been the worst to play in, along with what made it so bad?
Liberty Center last year in the playoffs. First play of the game we had to call timeout because our running back who was right next to the QB couldn’t even hear what he was yelling at him for what the play was. And it got even louder after we called a timeout, so we knew we were in for a dog fight.

What must you improve on the most to take your game to another level?
I need to get faster. I know I can catch the ball, and I know I can run smooth routes, but I if I can keep training to get faster, I think I can take a HUGE leap.

What has been your best memory on the football field?
My best memory was making a game-saving tackle on 4th down my freshman year in a freshman game. Last year was my first year of varsity and I didn’t really have any great memories but I do remember that one.

What is the toughest part of a Liberty Benton practice?
I think the toughest part is the conditioning at the end. It’s really all mental because, after a long practice, of hitting and remembering all the plays, you have to ignore that and go all out during conditioning, so you can get something good out of practice.

What are you looking forward to this season?
I’m looking forward to playing defense and being more of an asset on offense. This is my first year playing safety, and I’ve been playing well in 7on7’s so I’m excited to try that out. And then on offense, I think I can be more of an asset than I was last year, and be a great WR2 behind Seth.

What has been the best advice when it comes to playing sports that you have been given, along with who gave you the advice?
My mom told me that there is always somebody working harder than you, which is 100% true because those who wanna be great at this sport or really any sport will give it their all, so it motivates me to always go hard because you never know who’s watching.

Do you feel you and your teammates are role models for the younger kids who come and root for you?
I think that I’m a great role model for the guys younger than me because I always make sure to coach them up when needed, and even talk to them after a workout or during a workout to make sure they’re doing good.

Where is the best local spot to grab a bite?
Tokyo Steak House!

Who are your favorite and least favorite pro football teams?
Love the Cleveland Browns, hate the Steelers

What was the last book you read?
To Kill a Mockingbird