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2011 Denell Carithers
Defensive Back
5’7″ 165
High School Coach: Mansfield Dinkins
High School: Ecorse, C
College: Undecided
Denell Carithers is the son of Alexandra Daniels and Dashon Daniels. He has both younger and older siblings and is the only boy born to his mother.
Denell’s passion for football started at the age of eight. He played for the P.A.L (Police Athletic League) Detroit Junior Buccaneers for one year and played six years for the West Side Steelers where he helped his team to four Championships ‘02, ‘04, ‘05 and ‘07 and a National Championship in 2007. He started his high school career at Northwestern high school where, as a sophomore, he earned a starting strong safety position and earned the rookie of the year award. His junior year he became a two-way starter playing running back and defensive back. He opened up the season with a record setting five touchdown game against Renaissance and ended the season with 1,257 rushing yards and was named MVP and defensive back of the year. After his coach retired he transferred to Ecorse Community High School where he continued to play on both sides of the ball rushing for 2,198 yards and leading the Red Raiders to their first play-off win in school history over Blissfield. He also holds the school record for the most touchdowns in a single game (5), most touchdowns in a single season (22), and the most rushing yards in a single season (2,198). Out of three years of high school football Denell Carithers recorded 203 tackles, 14 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles on the defensive side of the ball. He rushed for 3,465 yards in the two years he played running back.
Denell also ran track and competed in the 100m dash, 200m dash, 4x100m relay and 4x200m relay.
Denell thanked “God first. I also thank my late grand mother, Della Carithers.” Denell said, “I also thank all of my family members for their encouragement and love including Alexandra Daniels (mom), Dashon Daniels (dad) Ronald Coleman, and Terrance Jake Mathis just to name a few.” Denell thanked “my community, Whole Truth Church of God in Christ, my pastor Supt. Ernie M. McCuthchen Sr., Dr. Akin-Wumbi, The Westside Steelers organization, Michael Crayton, Donald Anderson, Vincent ‘Veto’ Jordan, Alfred Fields, Deramus Anthony, Dr. Terry Truvillion, the Dinkins family and to everyone for their support.”
Awards
All Conference Running Back, 2010
All City Defensive Back, Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, 2009
All State Honorable Mention Running Back, 2010