Few situations bring about as many goosebumps as Durant’s final play Friday, Sept. 11. In the fourth quarter, with time running out, the Cougars needed a field goal to beat rival Newsome — the same as last year, when Durant’s kick missed. But the difference, in 2015, was that junior kicker Peyton Ledbetter nailed it and sent his team home with a 16-14 win.
This is the first time Durant’s beaten Newsome since 2012. You hit the game winner. How did it feel?
I felt like I just ruled the world. Whenever I saw it halfway through, going, almost there, I just turned around, and I started running for the team. It was just amazing.
Last year, you were on JV. Derek Wells was a pretty clutch kicker when he was here, so you had some shoes to fill. How did you feel about that?
I knew there was a lot expected of me. Durant’s always been known for good kickers — besides him, all the kickers before him were really good too.
This team is 3-0 and has surprised a lot of people. How’s life with one of the top underdogs around?
It feels good. Being the underdog, coming in with nobody expecting us to win. But, then we do. It’s definitely good.
How do you feel about East Bay this week?
I think we can take them. They’re already thinking they’ve got us, but so did Newsome.
What other sports do you play?
Soccer. I’m a goalkeeper.
When did you first get into football?
Right before freshman year.
What sport have you never played before, but want to try?
Lacrosse sounds pretty fun. The hitting — you get to hit people — and it’s like soccer but with your hands.
What do you do for fun?
Relax, watch football, play a few video games and sleep. I prefer college football.
Who’s your team?
I’ve always liked Florida State, but I really like Mississippi State this year. I’m thinking about going there. It crushed me when they lost this weekend. I toured the campus this year, and I knew they were big last year, so I just started watching them.
Who’s your favorite athlete of all time?
Roberto Aguayo, Florida State. Awesome kicker. Great dude. I’ve met him. He’s an overall great person.
When you go to college, what are you majoring in?
Mechanical engineering. I’m hoping to do robotics.
If you could meet anyone you’ve always looked up to, who would it be?
In the kicking world, I would say Sebastian Janikowski, another Florida State alumni. ‘Polish Cannon.’ Kicking field goals through the uprights from the other half of the field.
You have $1 billion in the bank. What’s the first thing you’d buy?
Everybody in my family wants a different car, so I’d get them their cars. Then I’d buy a big house.
If you could have any superpowers, what would you pick?
I’d want to be like Superman, but without the kryptonite weakness.
Do you have any personal goals that you want to accomplish this year?
I definitely want to be in the 90th percentile for field goals, maybe get my kickoff touchback percentage up, and try and make the honor roll all year.
