Interview with Oak Park 2013 DB Michael Cleveland

Oak Park has received several transfers since Greg Carter was brought in to bring the Oak Park program to a new level. This past winter, former East Detroit, DB/WR Michael Cleveland transferred to Oak Park where he will play his Senior season. Cleveland was able to discuss the upcoming season and his past while at East Detroit.

Position (s): DB/WR

Height & Weight: 5'9 150 pounds

First Game Started: 1st game of my junior year against Roseville.

#1 Most Memorable Game: Most memorable was my sophomore year on varsity playing Marine City.

Pre-game Traditions: Before the game I go off in a room alone focusing on the responsibilities I have while listening to music. I also pray A LOT!

Post-game Traditions: After the game I go out to eat with my teammates.

Athlete you try building your game around: I build myself around Tyrann Mathieu, Ed Reed, and Ray Lewis.

The D - Zone - Well first off you recently transferred from East Detroit to Oak Park. What are you looking forward to while playing football for Oak Park?

Michael Cleveland - "I look forward to playing in the OAA. I believe it is the best conference in Michigan and I am always looking forward to a challenge! Big time players make big time plays in big time games!"

The D - Zone - What will be some challenges from playing in a pretty tough division of the MAC Gold to an extremely tough OAA White?

Michael Cleveland - "Last year I was used to running past everyone. The OAA White has much more speed than the MAC Gold I believe. They also throw the ball much more so I have to be on top of my game when the ball is in the air."

The D - Zone - Last year you had a big season with 69 tackles and forced 5 fumbles, what were keys to having a big season?

Michael Cleveland - "In the offseason last year I took pride in my work ethic! Most of the time I would workout three times a day. I maxed out at 260 in the bench press before the season. I wanted to be the strongest corner in the state and I think I was. I was always working hard to become the best player I could be!"

The D - Zone - What were some of your favorite memories while at East Detroit?

Michael Cleveland - "Going to the 7on7s with my team in the summer time was something I'll never forget. We had so much fun together. I will also remember my sophomore year when I made Varsity and we made it to the playoffs for the first time in school history and snapped Marine City's winning streak!"

The D - Zone - How have you been preparing for the 2012 season over the offseason?

Michael Cleveland - "This offseason I have been working with Maximum Exposure. All the coaches really push me to be the best player I can, and they don't accept any slack from me! Coach Carter has a good weight training program at Oak Park and since transferring there I have gained 4 inches on my vertical."

The D - Zone - Have you attended any camps yet and if so how have they been for you?

Michael Cleveland - "I have attended four camps so far and they have gone well. The latest being the Adidas Invitational where I ran a 4.53. Each camp I go to I learn something new and take that knowledge to make me a better player."

The D - Zone - What are some of your best abilities as a Cornerback?

Michael Cleveland - "My best abilities as a corner is my closing speed and my strength especially. Being able to jam and overpower receivers bigger than me is really an advantage."

The D - Zone - Is there anything in particular that you want to improve on during the 2012 season?

Michael Cleveland - "I want to improve my speed. I plan on running a 4.4 by the time the season starts. I am always working to become stronger and improve my coverage skills."

The D - Zone - How has recruiting been going for you so far?

Michael Cleveland - "Recruiting has started slow transferring from East Detroit where the coach really did not help me. I know hard work always pays off so I will continue working. I expect to receive my first offer before the season starts."