After a week of practices, the Rams High School Player Development 7-on-7 team departed for Indianapolis on Thursday morning.
The team will compete in the annual national tournament against teams representing all of the league's clubs. Before the games get underway on Friday, get to know a little about 12 of the city's rising high school stars who will represent the Rams.
Name: Devin Alexander
Position: ATH
Age: 17
School: Ritenour High School
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
The first time I scored a TD in a varsity game against Riverview High School. Seeing my name in the paper for the first time was pretty awesome.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Cam Newton because we have a similar playing style and I admire the way he always gets the job done. Also, people always tell me I kind of look like him.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math is my favorite because I like working with numbers and it seems to come pretty naturally to me.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The most important thing I have gained from the HSPD program is the development and improvement of my character and leadership skills. I know I will be a better person both on and off the field because of HSPD.
Name: Bert Birdsall IV
Position: DB
Age: 17
School: CBC
Hometown: Lowereneville, GA
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 157
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Catching a 72 yard touchdown pass during the 2011 State Championship game at the Edward Jones Dome to put our team ahead.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Patrick Peterson because he is a lockdown CB and one of the most explosive athletes in the game today. He can make a game-changing play at any given moment.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because comes to me rather easily and I am very good with numbers.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have met and developed lasting relationships with people from a ton of different schools in the area, which probably wouldn’t have happened without HSPD.
Position: DB
Age: 17
School: CBC
Hometown: Lowereneville, GA
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 157
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Catching a 72 yard touchdown pass during the 2011 State Championship game at the Edward Jones Dome to put our team ahead.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Patrick Peterson because he is a lockdown CB and one of the most explosive athletes in the game today. He can make a game-changing play at any given moment.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because comes to me rather easily and I am very good with numbers.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have met and developed lasting relationships with people from a ton of different schools in the area, which probably wouldn’t have happened without HSPD.
Name: Keith Brent
Position: CB/RB/WR
Age: 17
School: Hazelwood Central High School
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Being selected to play in the 2011 National HSPD 7on7 Tournament. I was very proud to be selected to represent not only myself and my school, but the city of St. Louis as a whole. It’s quite an honor to be selected once again this year, as well.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
LaDanian Tomlinson and Deion Sanders because they are both not only 2 of the greatest players at their respective positions, but also 2 of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. I love the way they approached the game and the way they constantly strived for greatness.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
I love math because I have always enjoyed working with numbers. I also plan on studying engineering in college, a subject that relies heavily on math.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have gained quite a bit in my experience with HSPD. The program has truly helped me grow into the player and young man that I am today.
Position: CB/RB/WR
Age: 17
School: Hazelwood Central High School
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Being selected to play in the 2011 National HSPD 7on7 Tournament. I was very proud to be selected to represent not only myself and my school, but the city of St. Louis as a whole. It’s quite an honor to be selected once again this year, as well.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
LaDanian Tomlinson and Deion Sanders because they are both not only 2 of the greatest players at their respective positions, but also 2 of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. I love the way they approached the game and the way they constantly strived for greatness.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
I love math because I have always enjoyed working with numbers. I also plan on studying engineering in college, a subject that relies heavily on math.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have gained quite a bit in my experience with HSPD. The program has truly helped me grow into the player and young man that I am today.
Name: Tyler Brewer
Position: WR/DB
Age: 17
School: Fox High School
Hometown: Arnold, MO
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 182
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
In my first ever varsity game I scored 2 TDs and had an interception. An awesome way to start off my career!
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Eric Berry because he’s a tremendous athlete and thrives on making the big play. He’s one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
I really enjoy gym class because it keeps me active and in shape.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have picked up quite a few new fundamental skills to help improve my game, as well as a few drills that I will definitely do on my own in order to get better.
Name: Gregory Gibson
Position: WR/FS
Age: 16
School: O’Fallon Township High School
Hometown: Fairview Heights, IL
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Scoring the game winning TD against Granite City High School this past season. There was so much excitement in the stadium and everyone was going crazy on the sideline. It was an awesome feeling.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Devin Hester because he is one of the most electrifying players in the league. I love the way he returns punts and kicks without fear. He can take it the distance on any play.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because I like the way it challenges me to work harder.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The best lesson I have learned from HSPD is to be yourself and have fun on the field. It’s important to work hard and get serious, but if you can’t relax and have fun, it’s difficult to succeed.
Position: WR/FS
Age: 16
School: O’Fallon Township High School
Hometown: Fairview Heights, IL
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Scoring the game winning TD against Granite City High School this past season. There was so much excitement in the stadium and everyone was going crazy on the sideline. It was an awesome feeling.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Devin Hester because he is one of the most electrifying players in the league. I love the way he returns punts and kicks without fear. He can take it the distance on any play.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because I like the way it challenges me to work harder.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The best lesson I have learned from HSPD is to be yourself and have fun on the field. It’s important to work hard and get serious, but if you can’t relax and have fun, it’s difficult to succeed.
Name: Aarion Maxey-Penton
Position: ATH
Age: 17
School: CBC
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Definitely the 2011 State Championship game at the Edward Jones Dome here in St. Louis. It was an awesome experience!
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Darrelle Revis because I love the way he approaches the game with confidence. When he’s out there he knows he can shut down the WR in front of him, no matter who it is. He’s a true lock down CB
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
I like math because it challenges me to think critically and work hard to be the best student I can possibly be.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have loved getting the opportunity to play with great players from all over the greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. I have made friends from some other schools which probably wouldn’t have been possible without this program.
Position: ATH
Age: 17
School: CBC
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Definitely the 2011 State Championship game at the Edward Jones Dome here in St. Louis. It was an awesome experience!
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Darrelle Revis because I love the way he approaches the game with confidence. When he’s out there he knows he can shut down the WR in front of him, no matter who it is. He’s a true lock down CB
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
I like math because it challenges me to think critically and work hard to be the best student I can possibly be.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have loved getting the opportunity to play with great players from all over the greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. I have made friends from some other schools which probably wouldn’t have been possible without this program.
Name: Brendan Moore
Position: QB/OLB
Age: 16
School: Mehlville High School
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Being selected to represent the St. Louis Rams in the 2012 HSPD National 7on7 Tournament. It is quite an honor!
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Drew Brees. He’s gets the job done just as good as anybody despite lacking some of the physical tools of a “protypical” QB. He shows me that you don’t have to be the biggest, tallest, or fastest to succeed in the game, which inspires me.
What other sports do you play?
Wrestling
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math and Chemistry because I work very well with numbers.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The biggest thing I’ve been able to take away from the HSPD program is that hard work truly pays off.
Position: QB/OLB
Age: 16
School: Mehlville High School
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Being selected to represent the St. Louis Rams in the 2012 HSPD National 7on7 Tournament. It is quite an honor!
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Drew Brees. He’s gets the job done just as good as anybody despite lacking some of the physical tools of a “protypical” QB. He shows me that you don’t have to be the biggest, tallest, or fastest to succeed in the game, which inspires me.
What other sports do you play?
Wrestling
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math and Chemistry because I work very well with numbers.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The biggest thing I’ve been able to take away from the HSPD program is that hard work truly pays off.
Name: Darius Mosely
Position: WR/DB
Age: 17
School: O’Fallon Township High School
Hometown: O’Fallon, IL
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 175
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Playing for U.S. National Under-19 team this summer has been an awesome experience. It’s definitely helped me take my game to the next level.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Michael Vick because he is an electrifying playmaker. It’s fun to watch him scramble around the pocket.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because I enjoy working with numbers
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
HSPD has taught me the importance of character in both life and football. I’ve also learned the importance of having fun and playing with a passion.
Position: WR/DB
Age: 17
School: O’Fallon Township High School
Hometown: O’Fallon, IL
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 175
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Playing for U.S. National Under-19 team this summer has been an awesome experience. It’s definitely helped me take my game to the next level.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Michael Vick because he is an electrifying playmaker. It’s fun to watch him scramble around the pocket.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball and Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because I enjoy working with numbers
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
HSPD has taught me the importance of character in both life and football. I’ve also learned the importance of having fun and playing with a passion.
Name: Zach Muniz
Position: CB/WR
Age: 16
School: CBC
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 150
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Making a tackle in the 2011 State Championship game
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie because I admire the way he plays the CB position. He’s a freak athlete and plays the game the right way.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because working with numbers really comes naturally to me.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I’ve gained a good sense of how football can make you a better person even off the field. This experience has also definitely improve my confidence and the way I approach the game.
Position: CB/WR
Age: 16
School: CBC
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 150
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Making a tackle in the 2011 State Championship game
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie because I admire the way he plays the CB position. He’s a freak athlete and plays the game the right way.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because working with numbers really comes naturally to me.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I’ve gained a good sense of how football can make you a better person even off the field. This experience has also definitely improve my confidence and the way I approach the game.
Name: Devin Roberts
Position: WR
Age: 17
School: Warrenton High School
Hometown: Warrenton, MO
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 190
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Playing in the State Championship game 2 years ago
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Danny Amendola
because he is a very productive WR despite his physical shortcomings. It’s inspiring to see a smaller guy succeed in the NFL.
What other sports do you play?
Baseball, Basketball, Wrestling, Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because I enjoy working with numbers. It’s always come pretty easily to me.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have learned a lot about respect and teamwork. The program has really helped me hone my leadership skills and become a better person.
Position: WR
Age: 17
School: Warrenton High School
Hometown: Warrenton, MO
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 190
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Playing in the State Championship game 2 years ago
Who is your favorite football player and why?
What other sports do you play?
Baseball, Basketball, Wrestling, Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because I enjoy working with numbers. It’s always come pretty easily to me.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have learned a lot about respect and teamwork. The program has really helped me hone my leadership skills and become a better person.
Name: Brett Siebenshuh
Position: QB
Age: 16
School: Francis Howell High School
Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 203
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Surviving as the scout team QB. It was tough at times, but it definitely helped mold me into the QB that I am today.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Aaron Rodgers. He’s one of the best QB’s in the NFL and I love the way he takes control of the team.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because for every problem there is always a set and definite answer.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The HSPD program has helped me refine my skills and become a better QB. The program has also given me the opportunity to form and develop new friendships.
Position: QB
Age: 16
School: Francis Howell High School
Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 203
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Surviving as the scout team QB. It was tough at times, but it definitely helped mold me into the QB that I am today.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Aaron Rodgers. He’s one of the best QB’s in the NFL and I love the way he takes control of the team.
What other sports do you play?
Track
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math because for every problem there is always a set and definite answer.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
The HSPD program has helped me refine my skills and become a better QB. The program has also given me the opportunity to form and develop new friendships.
Name: Cole Sigmund
Position: RB/LB
Age: 15
School: MICDS
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Scoring my second TD as a freshman in the State Semi-Finals to help lead my team to the State Championship.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Ray Lewis because of the way he instills fear into opposing offenses. Even though he’s not the youngest on the field, everyone he plays is terrified of him.
What other sports do you play?
Lacrosse
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Science because it’s interesting and you don’t necessarily hear about it every day, but it’s in everything.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have learned to not take anything for granted, whether it be in football or just life in general. We are privileged with this opportunity that most of our peers don’t have.
Position: RB/LB
Age: 15
School: MICDS
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190
What’s your favorite football moment so far?
Scoring my second TD as a freshman in the State Semi-Finals to help lead my team to the State Championship.
Who is your favorite football player and why?
Ray Lewis because of the way he instills fear into opposing offenses. Even though he’s not the youngest on the field, everyone he plays is terrified of him.
What other sports do you play?
Lacrosse
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Science because it’s interesting and you don’t necessarily hear about it every day, but it’s in everything.
What have you gained from your involvement in the HSPD program?
I have learned to not take anything for granted, whether it be in football or just life in general. We are privileged with this opportunity that most of our peers don’t have.
