He considers himself to be first a Christian, second a student, third an athlete and fourth a football player. His humility takes control when he is interviewed. Passion and vigor are transparent. Hybrid player Justin Clifton explains his motives, expectations and efforts to his fans.

Like any other athlete, sports interest sparked at an early age for the Tupelo High School senior and outside linebacker for the Golden Wave.

“All of my life, I grew up in Tupelo watching my family play football,” he said. “I adore the game. And for me to be a starter each season since I have been playing is just a blessing.”

Clifton has been playing for Tupelo since his freshman year, but just recently helped the team excel to the state championship game during his junior year – a goal the team has not reached in years.

Clifton experienced firsthand how one play – a fake field goal that sealed Oak Grove’s win in Jackson – essentially impacted the rest of his high school career.

“For me, it’s crazy,” he said. “Every morning, I wake up and just gaze at the medal that hangs from my keychain, the constant reminder of second place. It’s discouraging to know what could have been but wasn’t, but at the same time, its a real motivator. We gotta go get it.”

Although Clifton sees losing as a real disappointment to the team and himself, he doesn’t dwell on it.

“We went all out and did all we could,” he said. “Sometimes it just doesn’t work out.”

Some may describe greatness as success, but for Clifton, greatness simply means the possession of willpower.

“A coach can coach all he wants, but if you don’t put forth effort and have determination it doesn’t mean anything,” Clifton said.

Clifton added that his biggest pressures are that of any other leader on the team, and that’s making sure each player – including himself – is on time, in place and on task.

“There is nothing like being part of another kind of a family, but to also bring that family up the ladder with you is even better,” he said.

Clifton believes that a Golden Wave athlete should never be satisfied.

“When satisfaction is shown, vulnerability to the opponent is mirrored,” he said. “If fans aren’t satisfied, players shouldn’t be either. You have to be hungry. You have to want it. [There is] something about stepping on a field with hopes of getting a win. There isn’t a feeling in the world like Friday nights. I say my last prayers, put on my helmet, and then get inside the big Wave helmet with the rest of the guys. When you hear the cheers and see the smoke, when you look to your right and left to see the people you have suffered with, worked with and strived with to be better through the sweat, tears – maybe even blood – a feeling that can’t be described sweeps over you when you finally hear the sirens go off letting the other team know there’s FLOOD WARNING on the battle field.”