AJC
Super 11 diary: Creekside's Eric Berry
'My team is ready to play'
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/31/06
He's widely regarded as one of the best athletes in the state. Creekside Super 11 quarterback/defensive back Eric Berry has justified all of the hype this season, stringing together one big game after another for the 8-0 Seminoles. A slew of major colleges are seeking Berry's commitment, but the 6-foot-1, 195-pound standout is still undecided. He talked to staff writer Rana L. Cash about recruiting, his season and two players who could be even better than him.
It has been a really good year. I try not to pay so much attention to all of the articles and the media. Team and family are all I need. My family is very important to me. My dad [James Berry] can relate to everything because he was in my shoes when he was in high school. He gives me a lot of advice about to handle pressure, and just gives me guidance.
That helps with recruiting. I don't know where I'm going to go. I'm still going to take all of my visits. It's going to be someplace where I can be fine without football. Still have a social life, and still enjoy myself.
I went to Auburn, and it was a good trip. They were playing Tulane. We wanted to go when it was more laid back and not all about the big, big game; without all the hoopla. I'll probably go back Nov. 11 when they play Georgia. I'm also going to Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio State and USC. Wherever I go, I want to play defense. If I play offense, I don't want it to be quarterback because I'd have to give up all the other stuff [punt return and kickoff return]. I'd move to wide receiver if I played offense, but I want to play defense.
A lot of people ask me if my dad was a better high school player than me. He played running back in Mississippi and went to Tennessee. I haven't seen his tapes. He has one, but it's on a projector and I'm waiting to see that. His friends tell me how good he was.
My own brothers might be better than me. They turn 11 Nov. 4 and they're twins ? Evin and Elliott. They are both really good.
As for the season, we want to go even farther than we did last year. My team is ready to play. We're going to come ready every week and all other stuff [recruiting], I'll worry about later.
More on Berry after a chat with staff writer Derrick Mahone
Height, weight: 6 feet 1, 195 pounds
40 time: 4.31 seconds
Bench: 315 pounds
Shoe size: 12
Stats: Has rushed 83 times for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has passed for 577 yards and three touchdowns on 29 of 62 passes with one interception. On defense, he has 48 tackles and three interceptions.
Q: Other sports?
A: Was the 200-meter state champion in Class AAAA in 2005.
Q: Favorite type of movies?
A: "Action and scary movies because I like thrillers and to be surprised."
Q: Favorite subject?
A: "Math because you are always discovering new stuff."
Q: Favorite home-cooked meal?
A: "I like it when my dad cooks baked chicken and rice."
Q: Cooking specialty?
A: "My grandmother taught me how to make sweet potato pie. I make it for our Thanksgiving Day dinner."
Q: Pet peeves?
A: "People that smack gum. I also hate when people tap me on my shoulder to get my attention."
Q: Role model?
A: "My dad [James Berry] because he grew up without a father and had to learn a lot on his own. He has always been there for me."
Q: Favorite athlete?
A: "Reggie Bush because he goes hard on every play, and he can change a game."
Q: Piece of clothing you need to throw away?
A: "My game socks from the ninth grade. I wear them now for good luck, but I do wash them."
Q: Person would most like to meet?
A: "Martin Luther King Jr. because he changed history. He was a leader when no one else wanted to step up and did it in the right manner."
Q: Who would you like to throw a touchdown pass to?
A: "Marvin Harrison, because we have the same touchdown celebration ? there is not one, we just give the ball to the ref."
