Preston Markland is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado by AZPreps365.

Daijon Safford was cut from his sixth-grade football team because he wasn’t quick or athletic enough. Look at him now.

Safford turned the sixth-grade negative into an eighth-grade positive, honing both sports. He competed as a track and field athlete in middle school. He has earned a gold medal in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump events. He also beat the school record for the triple jump in his first high school meet. 

“[Running track] made my feet a lot quicker and…made me an all-around force on the field,” said Safford.

As a freshman, he earned a starting job in football. Safford relies on his athletic abilities to rise up for interceptions as a cornerback or haul in one-handed catches as a receiver.

“When he stepped on the field, he instantly made a difference for us,” said defensive backs coach Keyonta Townsel. “He was a big impact because of his ability to not only make a play for himself but to make a play for his teammates.” 

“He’s a natural athlete,” said coach Curt LeBlanc. “He’s patient. He relied on [his athleticism], but he’s always been coachable.”

As a three-year starter, Safford has been instrumental in the growth of the Coronado program. He has grown into a leader and has taken the point when it comes to assisting freshmen in their introduction to high school football. 

“When freshmen can have guys like him that are leading them and treating them as part of the team, that’s a great opportunity for those younger guys to grow,” said LeBlanc. 

In the midst of a winless (0-6) season, LeBlanc points to wins in the character development and off-the-field mannerisms of his players. 

“The biggest thing I can say about Daijon is how he’s matured as a young man,” said LeBlanc. “It’s been neat to see the growth.” 

“You see him being a leader and a positive role model,” said Townsel. “He always has a smile. He’s always upbeat. He’s always positive.”

While Safford envisions himself playing in college as an offensive threat, his defensive endeavors deserve attention. 

“When I was first watching film I told him I want him to be the best corner in our region and state and he’s bought into it,” said Townsel. “He takes on our defensive scheme and he rolls with it. He’s very coachable and he does everything that we ask him to do.”

Safford reminds himself to be a patron of perseverance. 

This drive to succeed has been Safford’s catalyst but he maintains that important achievements can be had in a leadership role.

“I try to stay humble,” said Safford. “I want to motivate [my teammates] every day. That’s only going to make me better in the future.”