All Star East 2010
Justin Cherocci
Linebacker
6’ 227
High School Coach: Al Fracassa
High School, Class: Brother Rice, A
College: Central Michigan University
Justin’s football career started in 2000 with the Troy Cowboys where his father, Jim, played a large part in developing his fundamental skills and building the love and the passion for the game of football. Justin was proud to play for Brother Rice, his dad’s alma mater, and the opportunity to play for the legendary Coach Fracassa. He played middle linebacker in his freshman, sophomore and junior years, and played fullback and middle linebacker his senior year. In his junior year, he broke school records with the most tackles in one game and the most tackles in one year, 193, ranking him 7th nationally. Justin broke his personal goal in his 2009 season with 220 tackles for the season; ranking him 4th nationally. He was one of the captains for the 2009 season in which the Warriors gave a run to the State semi-finals. He received the Hard-Nose award in his 2008 and 2009 seasons and received the Defensive MVP for both seasons.
Justin devotes his off seasons to speed, strength and conditioning. He has participated on Rice’s track team, throwing the discus and the shot put. Justin said, “I thank my family, especially my grandparents, Grammie, Nana and Poppy, who have stood by me, come to every game of mine, and continually feed me. I have a supportive and a tight-knit group of relatives who always give me encouragement. It’s hard to imagine what it will be like next year playing on a new team without any of my Rice teammates. I thank my Brother Rice coaches, Coach Zimmerman for your belief in me and your direction on and off the field. You brought out the best in me. Coach Fracassa, I always wondered what it would be like to be considered a friend and player of yours. I have lived the dream and very proud to say I was one of your Warriors. Thank you for your friendship, your steadfast belief and for always looking out for me.”
Justin will continue his education and play football at Central Michigan University. He plans to major in Physical Therapy.
Awards
All Catholic League, 2007, 08, & 09
All Area Honorable Mention,
Observer & Eccentric, 2008
All North, The Detroit Free Press, 2008
All State Honorable Mention, The Oakland Press, 08
All Oakland County Dream Team, 2008
All Westside Honor Team 1st Team Defense, Rochester Post & Birmingham Bloomfield Eagle, 2009
All Oakland Dream Team, Oakland Press, 2009
All Metro North 1st Team Dream Team, 2009
All State Dream Team, Detroit News & Free Press, 09
