2007 All Star East
James Berezik
Tailback
5’10″ 192 lbs.
High School Coach: Paul Verska
High School: DeLaSalle Collegiate, A
College: Grand Valley State University
James’ first year of football was his freshman year. As a freshman he was 5’3″ and 130 pounds. He didn’t see much playing time. He “hit the weight room” and as a junior played at 5’9″ 180 pounds. He ran a 4.48 and had a 38 inch vertical jump. He still did not start but averaged about 9 yards a carry. In his senior year he went to the Michigan State camp. He ran the fastest 40 yard dash with a 4.44 and had the highest vertical jump at 41 inches. He “was determined to get a full ride scholarship somewhere. So I worked hard and ran as hard as I possibly could during the games.” He shattered the single season rushing record, rushing for 1830 yards. The previous record was 1356. He also broke the single season rushing record with 18 rushing TD’s and 22 total. Other school activities James participated in included going on Kairos, and helping out with football camps. “Kairos was one of the best experiences of my life. It helped me get closer to God and also closer to my parents and family.”
James thanked his Mom, “for always believing in me and in my decisions. I still look to her for guidance every single day of my life, and I love her more than anything.” He thanked, “God because without him I would not be able to do what I do. My brother is my best friend and I wouldn’t be as strong of a person I am if it wasn’t for him. My dad for believing in me since day one. And my two biggest fans, my grandma and my Uncle Matt.”
Awards
All Catholic – Central Division, 2006
All Macomb 1st Team Offence, 2006
Macomb Player of the Year, 2006
All East 1st Team, Detroit News & Detroit Free Press, 2006
All State 1st Team, Detroit News, 2006
Dream Team, Detroit Free Press, 2006