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+---- Thread: *Sophomore Slump? Norfolk CB Looks to Future (/showthread.php?tid=33934)
*Sophomore Slump? Norfolk CB Looks to Future - HasumiKi - 07-26-2021
Word Count: 427
Sophomore Slump? Norfolk CB Looks to Future
by HasumiKi
(note this is my first time doing a media, if i've done something wrong please let me know, thank you!)
Coming off a 2044 season that has many Norfolk fans optimistic for the future, one player is looking to break out of a slump that they went through. Despite a notable increase in tackles, cornerback Hououin Kyouma was disappointed with their performance, and is looking for ways to improve this season.
"There is always a way to improve," said Kyouma in a preseason interview Friday. "I know my teammates and I are excited for the coming years. We believe we are closing in on championships, but we all must give 110% each day. Last year I did not do that, and I failed myself and my team."
Kyouma took the league by storm his rookie season in 2043, recording 5 interceptions on 15 passes defended, as well as two touchdowns and a fumble recovery. Despite a paltry 1-13 record from the Seawolves, Kyouma was enthusiastic about his opportunity and showed a drive to be better every week. Early into the 2044 season, the Seawolves were in contention for the playoffs, and it was clear Kyouma, as well as the rest of the defensive unit, focused hard on their tackling mechanics. Kyouma reached his 41 tackle mark from the previous season long before the end of the season. Finishing with 66 tackles, many fans were delighted with the more lockdown tackler he had morphed into. When asked about it, however, Kyouma was still disappointed in his performance.
"I focused too much on one thing. I could lead the league in tackles, but if I never defended a pass, we would not be any better off."
It was absolutely no secret that Norfolk's defensive unit was one of the youngest in the league last year, and despite that the team exceeded expectations, posting a 3-10-1 record and finishing third in the conference. In the draft, Norfolk seemed to look to bolster their young defense with the additions of talented prospects Neppy Nep, Sconnie McHits, Lucas Arnold, and Spike Daniels. The young talent will look to step up and fill the void left by Kelvin Harris. When asked about the young prospects, Kyouma was very excited.
"They all bring so much energy to our locker room. I can tell we are going to have a lot of fun this season and with the work ethic I see the wins will come in no time."
Fans are eagerly looking forward to a new rise for Seawolf football, and with the addition of some very promising prospects, it is not unlikely that we see Norfolk back in the playoffs before too long.