For what he lacks in size (5’8” and 149 pounds) Powhatan senior Deon Berry compensates with speed: 4.5 in the forty yard dash. But it is the intangibles that have elevated this miniature speedster to two starting positions on the Indians’ 2010 football squad. “Deon has a great attitude. He’s always prepared and very coachable,” said Powhatan Head Football Coach, Jim Woodson. “He’s really fast and elusive and has worked very hard in the off-season. He’s always asking ‘What do I need to do?’. He’s going to provide senior leadership.”

Who are you calling ‘small’?
Berry will start at both running back and defensive back for the Indians, but prefers to carry the ball. “It’s more of a thrill,” he said. He is well aware that his speed is his biggest asset and his size his biggest detriment. Not being able to do much about his stature, he has worked on what he can improve, his strength. He now bench presses an impressive 235 pounds. Asked if the 2010 Indians were tailored to utilize his speed, he immediately responded, “Yes Sir, we’re small, but very quick.”

Setting the example:
With his infectious smile and out-going personality, Deon likes to hang out with his friends, but his family is his anchor and his motivation. “I want to be a big idol for my eight-year old nephew, Kyle, and find a way to pay back my mom and big sister. They do everything for me,” he said. But his face lights up and his chest swells when he recalls the best thing his Dad tells him. “I’m proud of you, son.”

One for the record books:
Working his way into the starting line-up is important to Deon, but his biggest thrill was helping the Indians establish the scoring record (70 points) against Bluestone in his sophomore year. He scored two touchdowns that day.

Reaching for a goal:
Berry’s personal goals for this season are “to score over 20 touchdowns and lead our team to a Championship. I tell myself to do the best I can and try to be a leader. If we work as a team we can do it.”
Deon also uses his speed and agility as an effective point-guard on the Powhatan basketball squad, but he prefers football.
“There are more thrills,” he said. “It’s just more exciting.”

Looking ahead:
In the classroom he is using his math skills to prepare himself for a career as a Computer Technician or IT Specialist. He plans to go to college next year and said he will miss his classmates. “Everyone‘s a family here,” he said. “But I won’t miss the drama.”

Bet you didn’t know:
It makes him mad when “people blame me for things I didn’t do” and he is a typical teenager whose favorite food is chicken wings. His favorite music (he has a secret here) is R&B . “But,” he said, “no one knows I like country and western music, and I like to clean the house.”