By Derrick Smith

Football is a year-round sport for the most part. If the season is over, players are in the weight room, preparing for the next season. Kameron Estrada plays football for Jones high school and says there are a lot of early and long days, but it is all worth it. 

“In the summer, we have summer pride,” he said. “We go about three days a week, starting at about 6:30 am.”

Estrada, who is a junior at Jones, plays on the defensive line. This is a position he has played since he started playing football in the second grade, which was his first year to attend Jones schools. 

“Jones has been my home,” he said. “All the coaches and players, we’re all just family. We can joke around, talk about serious stuff, and all of them will be real with you and that’s why I love this group so much.”

Kameron says that over the years, he has had a lot of influences on his life, but there are a few that have had a bigger impact. 

“My mom always took the time to get me to where I needed to be,” he said. “Practices, games, taking me to get new football cleats and stuff, all when she was on her own. I love her so much and I do it for her because she always has faith in me. My stepdad, who is a former Jones football player, took me in under his wing and has continued to guide me to be a good young man. And then I have my little brother who is a lineman. He is a freshman and bigger than me. He and I always go at it in football and we better each other and it’s awesome to know we are helping each other out.”

Just like any other athlete, Estrada has set a goal for himself, to give him something to work for. 

“I always watch the University of Oklahoma football,” he said. “I want to play on the defensive line there. I set that as a goal for myself. I know it sounds crazy, but I know that it is a goal that I can reach. It is all in your heart and dedication.”