Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Joshua Virgil

He’s only 16, but CFCA offensive lineman Joshua Virgil has a lot to be proud of in his game. Virgil was recently named a second-team offensive lineman by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s All-District 11 in classes 1A through 4A. He also has offers to play for both Harvard and Yale universities. “He’s been a phenomenal asset to our team, not only from an athletic standpoint but as a person, as well,” said Coach Jeremy Campbell. “Athletically he’s coming into his own and holding his own on both sides of the ball.” 

How long have you been playing football, and how did you become interested in it?

This is my fifth year playing football, and originally I didn’t know much about football until my friends asked me to play. Then the more I played it, the more I loved it.

What have been some of the highlights for you this season?

Some of the highlights for me are, offensively, us working together to score a touchdown. The offensive line, we’ve got one of the best offensive linemen in the district and he pretty much leads the team to the end zone. It’s just great to see how much our work is appreciated.

Has there been a game this season that has stood out to you?

I would probably have to say last week’s game (against Bradenton Christian), because I gave a lot more effort than I ever did. I wanted to win this game for my seniors. Unfortunately we didn’t, but I just wanted to give it all for my seniors. Last week was our last home game so I wanted to give it all.

What have you been working on this season?

I’ve been working my technique, but personally I’ve been working (with newer players) and even if a player’s not that good, just seeing them play with all their effort and helping them to be better.

What would you say your strengths in the game are?

I would say leading the offense to score a touchdown or to do positive moves forward.

Has there been anyone who’s really motivated and pushed you in the sport?

My mom, of course, but also there’s been coaches all around. Coach Lo Wood and Coach Aaron Jones have trained me and helped push me further past my limits, Coach Campbell and his staff obviously, and the players. My senior lineman, Elisha Sanchez, he’s been a big motivation to me to do better.

Looking ahead to your senior season next year, what are your hopes for your team?

I hope that we can all come together and play together, play as a team. One of our mottos is “Together everyone achieves more,” but this year we haven’t been doing that. I’m going to take the leadership and be the leader and lead this team to that.

Who’s your NCAA team, and what’s your perspective on its season thus far?

The Georgia Bulldogs. So far they’re doing great, they’re 7-1 I think. They just won the game against Florida. One thing I really like about them is the offensive line. They’ve got one of the best offensive lines in the nation, and I really like them.

Which teammate makes you laugh the most?

That would be two — Elisha Sanchez and Danny Rivera.

Where do you want to go to college?
One of them is the University of Georgia, and I got emails from Harvard and Yale to play for them.

You got offers from Harvard and Yale. Tell me about how it feels to receive offers like that.

It feels great because this is a very small school and Harvard and Yale are Ivy League schools, and they’re still looking at this small school. That makes me feel great because I know that I’m doing great and someone is watching and interested in me.