By Mike Keeney
Contributing Writer
Gayron Booker wasn’t the biggest guy on the Eisenhower Eagles defense, but he sure came up big during the 2010 season.
Booker played outside linebacker for the Eagles, who finished second in District 18-5A. Although he stood 5-71/2 and weighed in at 188-pounds, Booker made plays all over the field in helping his team make a return trip to the playoffs.
During his senior season, Booker recorded 52 tackles, eight sacks and recovered one fumble. That output earned him the Northeast News’ Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2010 season.
Booker began his high school career as a running back, but the Eagles had a glut of talented ball carriers when Booker was an underclassman and if he wanted to get on the field, he knew he had to change positions.
During spring training of his sophomore year, defensive coach Dre Thompson, who now serves as Eisenhower’s interim head coach, asked him to do just that and things worked out rather well for both Booker and the Eagles.
“I liked the way he moved,” Thompson said. “I also knew he was a tough kid and could play outside linebacker for us because of his speed and quickness. I asked him if he’d like to give linebacker a try and he said he’d play anywhere to help the team. I liked his attitude when I asked him to move to defense.”
Booker said he was fine with the move, as long as he got a chance to play. The move was definitely the right thing because he became a two-year starter on a team that earned back-to-back playoff spots during his junior and senior seasons.
“Coach Thompson saw something in me and asked me to move,” Booker said. “Hey, the team comes first. If that’s where he thought I could help out, that was all I needed to hear. I’ve always been a defensive person at heart. I like to watch (Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker) Ray Lewis play. I love his physical style of play.”
Thompson said he knows Booker’s height will probably keep him from earning a Division 1 scholarship, but he said Abilene Christian University (ACU) has an interest in him and that might be the perfect place for the deeply religious young man.
ACU may not be a Division 1 school, but it has produced a number of NFL players in the last decade such as defensive back Daniel Manning of the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Johnny Know, also of the Bears and Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott.
“I really think he can play at the next level,” Thompson said. “He can play outside or could be a good nickel back. He’s quick and smart and knows how to get to the football. He has a lot of natural instincts. He plays with a motor and was a playmaker for us he also understands the game. He watched a lot of film while he was here to learn his opponent.”
And while he may be small in stature, Thompson said opponents knew they were going to get Booker’s best shot when he came up against them.
“He likes to pack a hit,” Thompson said, with a laugh. “He’s a strong kid for his size and enjoys the contact of the game.”
Away from the gridiron, Booker is involved at this church, Shady Acres Church of Christ. He helps feed the homeless and also has a part-time job.
“I really enjoy hanging out with my family as well. Family always comes first,” Booker said. “I like to stay busy. Working with my church gives me a feeling of inner peace. It makes me feel good to know that I’ve helped others.”
And let’s hope Gayron Booker gets some help in his quest to continue his football career!