Diamond In The Rough: Caleb Gallashaw

Caleb Gallashaw is a young and ambitious, varsity player and student in the class of 2022 at Leesville High School in Leesville, Louisiana. With a 3.1 GPA and measuring in at 5’8″ and 175 lbs, Gallashaw has the ability to play multiple positions on the field as running back and wide receiver. Caleb Gallashaw is a dual-sport athlete. He runs for the track and field team. On top of being a 4-star player, we have Caleb ranked as an 8.0/10 due to his impressive stats, versatility, and lighting speed on the field. Running a 40 meter dash at 4.5 seconds, Caleb Gallashaw out runs his opponents and leaves them in the dust.

How long have you been playing football?

I have been playing since I was eight years old.

So, you started back in elementary school. Which school did you start playing at?

West Leesville Elementary School

Do you have any outstanding stats from your sophomore season?

I rushed 1,331 all purpose yards and 19 total touchdowns.

What do you love the most about football?

Being around my teammates; it brings people closer. It’s a family sport, you know?

Yeah, I get it. My parents and I are always bonding over football in some way – whether it’s me talking what I did at work on a certain day or watching a televised game at home. Anyways, as a player, you have two more high school seasons to actively play on the field, but what has playing football taught you so far?

Football has taught me how to be more humble all-around, how to humble myself, and better my attitude with people.

Right, it’s always good to constantly improve yourself on and off the field. So, I saw on your Hudl profile that you’re a dual-sport athlete. What other sports do you play?

I run track with the track and field team.

What do you run in track?

I run in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and usually the track relays.

Going into your junior season, what are some goals you would like to achieve? They can individual goals, team goals, or both.

Originally, this year, my goal for this season was to rush over 2,000 yards. I still want to. I don’t know – I feel like I could still achieve it, but we already missed two games because of the Covid.

Well, whenever we do resume or start playing football again, I think you can still achieve that goal you have set for yourself – especially if you keep working hard. Speaking of the Coronavirus pandemic and improving yourself, what have you been doing to improve your athletic ability?

Some mornings, I’ll go with my dad and train with him. Other times, I’ll head over to Lafayette and train with my other teammates. We’ll go over a lot of drills. Also, I have a personal coach.

Very nice. Okay, so I want to learn more about you off the field. Do you have any hobbies?

My friends and I – we like to play video games and hang out. I like to work out as well.

What would your teachers say about you as a student?

As a student, I’m kind of quiet in class – sometimes. I can be a little jokester at times, but I’m actually a good student. I don’t have any problem with my teachers.

That’s good and what would your coaches say about you as a player?

They think I’m a humble player and a leader because I speak up for my team.

Is that how you would describe your leadership style – with a more vocal approach?

Yeah, I say it’s part of my leadership style. I know some people are more nervous when it comes to saying stuff to the coaches. So, I speak up for them.

Okay, now let’s flip to the other side. How would you describe your playing style?

I’m a versatile player. Wherever you want me to play, I will play that position.

Tell me more about your game-day routine. How do you hype yourself and focus in?

Either one of my teammates, or my dad, will come hype me up. We’ll play music before it’s time to go play every game.

Personally, as of right now, where do you see yourself playing football at on a collegiate level?

Well, one of my favorite colleges is Louisiana State University. I could see myself playing at LSU.

Oh yeah, geaux tigers! Okay, do you consider football to be harder mentally, physically, or both?

I feel that it’s harder physically and mentally. Physically; with some people, their body can get tired – burn out. Mentally; it’s that mindset where you have to keep going even if you’re exhausted. It’s a physical and mental thing.

Right, that’s definitely understandable. Describe yourself in three words as a player.

Versatile, though, and a leader.

Do you have any role models? Why?

I look up to my dad. He has taught me mostly everything I know. He taught me the game. I wouldn’t even be playing football if it wasn’t for him.

If you could switch lives with any collegiate or NFL player for twenty-four hours, who would you choose and why that player?

Saquon Barkley. I like his size, he can jump, and he’s a versatile player. He’s also very fast.

Okay, I know earlier we talked about your goals you have set for your junior season. What are you looking forward to this upcoming season as you transition into the upperclassmen player status on the team?

During my freshman season, I remember we made it to the fourth round in the playoffs. Now, I want to go all the way and win in the dome. That’s really my goal – I want to see that ring on my finger.