MidValleySports.Com

Big George sat down with St. Paul receiver Daniel Castaneda.

By George Hernandez

[Santa Fe Springs] – I sat down with the St. Paul wide receiver Daniel Castaneda who will be a big part of the Swordman’s offense this season and a favorite target for quarterback Josh Villata.

Q: What’s up kid, how’s it going?

A: It’s been going good.  Excited to be back in the weight room and on the field for spring ball. Ready to continue working throughout summer ball as we prepare for the season.

Q Coming into your junior year you have a new head coach and are expected to be a top target. How do you handle high expectations for your team and you?

A: Just coming in everyday and being who I am whether we are at practice or have a game. The expectations put me in a mindset to be a dawg and make plays every time I have the chance to. I know I’m going to have opportunities, and I know I have to make the best out of them. I’m confident in my ability to work hard day in and day out and to make big plays when they count most. 

Q: Every athlete has a routine. What does your game day look like from the moment you wake up until you step onto the field?

A: Getting ready in my traditional St. Paul blazer sets the game day tone for me. I make sure to eat a good breakfast to start the day off right and head to school. Once we get through the school day we head to the Chapel as a team which allows me to stay calm and relaxed. The Chapel reminds me to put my trust and faith in God for the game at hand, and in the game of life too. We then get our team meal and after, we begin getting ready for the game. I get ready while playing music and then head out for warm-ups.  As kickoff gets closer, energy starts building up, and once 7pm hits I know it is time to go have a good game.

Q: Who do you model your game after?

A: I would say I would model my game after Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN’s ability to create separation and make plays in big time situations is the reason why he is one of the best receivers in the league and why he is the offensive player of the year. I think the key to being a good receiver is creating separation and making plays and he does that perfectly. 

Q: How would your teammates and coaches describe you?

A: I would say my teammates and coaches would describe me as a humble, hardworking, and positive person. I love to be positive every day because I know I am extremely blessed and having positive energy with my teammates, coaches, and throughout the day is a great way to show that. I would hope they say I put my head down and work hard every day in the classroom and on the field. 

Q: What is your goal for the team and you personally this upcoming football season?

A: My goals for the team are to make a run in the playoffs and win a championship together. I know we will be able to accomplish this together if we come every day to work hard and stay focused. Personally, I want to put myself on the map with my play on the field. I want everyone to know the type of player I am and the impact I have on and off the field.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned from sports so far? 

A: The biggest lesson I have learned from sports is to never go too high and never get too low. It’s all about how you respond to the good and bad and being ready for the next play. Making the next play is the best way to respond. Being able to move on and stay confident throughout the game is the key to be able to finish games and win throughout the season. 

Q: How do you handle the pressure of playing in high-stakes games?

A: I feed off the pressure and play with high energy in high-stakes games. I stay confident and trust the work that I put in will show. In these high-stakes games, I don’t feel pressure, instead I look forward to the opportunities and plays that need to be made for the win. The high stakes games are filled with opportunities, and I just have to go out there and make plays.

Q: What’s one game you’re looking forward to this upcoming season?

A: This season I’m looking forward to playing Bishop Amat. The past two years I have witnessed what these games feel like and the atmosphere that these games haves. The atmosphere and energy is amazing, so I know I have to play fast from the start and play our game as a team. In rivalry games I know as a team we must keep our composure throughout the entire game. St. Paul vs Bishop Amat is always an amazing game and I can’t wait to be out on the field August 21st.

Q: Anything else you would like to say or want us to know?

A: I’ve had the unique experience of playing with my older brother for the last two years, Gabe Castaneda. As I transition into my junior year, I’m looking forward to creating more amazing memories at St. Paul. I am blessed and thankful to be in the position I am in today. This year we are going to surprise a lot of people and make a name for ourselves.