2012 West #44
Anthony DeDamos
Linebacker
6’2″ 225
High School Coach: Ralph Munger
High School, Class: Rockford, A
College: Wayne State University
Anthony T. DeDamos is the son of Craig and Lisa DeDamos. He as an older brother, Dominic (21), who is currently a junior at Michigan State University and a former Rockford wrestler.
Anthony’s passion for the game started at a the age of seven. He began in the Rockford Rocket Football program where he was coached by his father and played quarterback, running back, and linebacker. From junior high through his high school freshman and junior varsity football career, Anthony’s strength positions became more focused as a running back and linebacker. Early in his junior year and first year as a varsity Ram, Anthony earned his way into a starting linebacker spot that helped lead the Rams to a successful 11-2 record and an impressive, but unfortunate, semi-final performance loss to Plymouth. In his senior season, Anthony developed into one of the states most feared and recognized linebackers. As one of the Ram pillars on defense, he led the Rams to another 11-2 season with another strong career ending performance against Detroit Catholic Central in the semi-finals. He finished his varsity season with 95 tackles.
In addition to football, Anthony was a standout lacrosse player who played three years of Rockford lacrosse that earned him two varsity letters. His spring season of his senior year, he participated in track and field throwing discuss, shot-put, and running on multiple sprint and relay teams. Anthony is a consummate conditioner who enjoys weight training and conditioning year round.
Anthony will continue his football career as a proud Warrior at Wayne State University. He attributes his athletic and academic successes and is thankful for “God’s blessings, my parents, family, coaches, teachers, and Ram teammates.” Anthony has expressed the highest level of thanks to his Ram coaches: Coach Munger, Coach Vanderveen, and Coach Wilburn for all of the guidance and support that they have provided throughout the years. One of many key coaching take-aways that Anthony sites is the importance of “never taking a play-off” and appreciating the value and responsibility that comes with ‘earning a spot’”. He said, “I am especially thankful for the generosity and support from the Rockford football community. Playing “for the best, with the best, and support by the best is truly a privilege!”
Awards
1st Team All OK Red Conference LB, 2011
1st Team All Area North Linebacker, 2011
2nd Team All Area Dream Team, Grand Rapids Press, 2011
Honorable Mention All State Linebacker, AP & Detroit News, 2011