James Wood High School 16-year-old junior
Sport: Football
Positions: Guard and defensive tackle
Parents: Minerva and Tito Ramirez
Hometown: Stephenson
What do you love about football?: I just like being around my teammates and how we all have a bond together, and we all are one group on the field and work toward the same goal.
Most memorable moment in football: When I was playing for the Bills [in the Winchester Frederick County Youth Football League], and my coach let me play running back, and I scored a touchdown. It was just fun how he let me get the ball, and I scored.
Most embarrassing moment in football: When I’ve gone to hit someone and I just completely missed and I fell on my face. I just keep my feet [down] now.
Most difficult moment in football: When, in games, stuff isn’t going our way and [my teammates and I] have to fight to stay ahead of the chains and stay positive and not get in our own heads. [One example was] Millbrook week. We were going back and forth on offense. We were just going for score for score, so we had to pick it up and not let the crowd and stuff get to us. (James Wood defeated Millbrook 63-49 on Oct. 9.)
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: I’d probably say Tom Brady because he’s the best quarterback of all time. Adam Sandler, because I think he’s really funny, and I feel like it’d be a fun time to be with him. And then LeBron James because he’s probably the G.O.A.T. of basketball.
Biggest athletic influence: My coach, [James Wood offensive line] coach [Jared] Neal, who just always pushes us to be our best and wants us to execute. He believes in us, and he knows we can do better all the time.
Favorite teacher: In sixth grade [at James Wood Middle School], I had [science teacher] Ms. [Brittany] Culp. She really inspired me and she just helped me a lot. She was really funny and nice.
Favorite athlete: [Dallas Cowboys right guard] Tyler Booker
Favorite team: Tennessee Volunteers football
Favorite movie: “Top Gun: Maverick”
Favorite TV show: “Family Guy”
Favorite song: “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Brussels sprouts
Plans after high school: I really want to continue football, but if that doesn’t work out, I want to be a biomedical equipment technician. I feel like it would be good to help around hospitals and stuff and build a career in a technical field.
— Compiled by Joe Tuman