D’andre Plantin is playing on the defensive line for Norcross and hopes to help the Blue Devils defend their state championship from last year. Plantin already has 41 solo tackles and two sacks this year which has helped his team reach an 11-2 record and the semifinals of the playoffs. The Blue Devils will play host to Colquitt County Friday where they will try to continue their run through the playoffs after the defense shut down Lowndes and forced five turnovers in the quarterfinals.
Plantin’s play has already been noticed by some colleges as he attends camps over the summer and continues to play great football during the season. Right now, the three schools in contact with him the most are Georgia State, North Carolina State and Iowa. Plantin used to play basketball for Norcross, but his priorities have shifted.
“I used to play basketball, but now I’m really focused on football and our team’s leadership council,” Plantin says, “We spend a lot of time figuring out how to connect the team and put us in a better situation to win.”
Plantin understands the necessity of leadership in any organization and in every young person’s life. He is a member of the 100 Black Men mentoring program in his area that helps young men focus on success.
“We meet every once in a while and talk about what’s going on and how to prepare for our future to make sure we’re in a successful situation,” Plantin explains.
When Plantin isn’t working on the field or his future, he is helping those who are less fortunate than himself. He helps the Home Depot Foundation by building houses in underprivileged areas including New York. Plantin and his family spent part of this past summer helping build houses in New York City that once only had projects.
His work ethic on the field has helped Norcross achieve a 10-2 record and given them hope for another state championship. His work off the field has given families a place to call home and hope for a better future. Whether he is building houses with Home Depot or just reading at a daycare after school, Plantin understands the value of helping those around him, and his value to his team and community is immeasurable.
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