Shoulder pads and uniforms seem to swallow the young players on the Haines City Rattlers team.

In 20 years or so, each face will sport a serious, “don’t mess with me” look, but as of now, these kids are all having tremendous fun.

Apart from the rest of the skinny, perhaps lanky boys, there was a running back named Michael James, who, to put it nicely, was a little “healthier” than the rest.

Now, 6-feet tall and 215 pounds of solid working muscle, James has signed with University of Miami, for the opportunity to play the sport he has grown up with, and always loved.

This isn’t surprising, since James is considered the top college prospect in Polk County this season.

Head football coach, Richard Tate, said, “This college is a good fit for Mike, he is powerful.”

Yet, one seems to wonder, how did he achieve so much? What got James where he is today?

“I always give 150 percent. [I] do what’s right and not what the bad people do, [because] they are not me,” he said.

Tate added, “Mike has great work habits, he is smart, and he has the desire.”

In addition to trying his best, the love of the game is what kept James focused and wanting to attend practice and reach new goals in the sport.

With a twinkle in his eyes, and showing off his pearly-whites, he added, “When I am playing, it feels like I am on top of the world.”

Aside from being considered an exceptional talent on the football field, James also has a few more activities and accomplishments under his belt.

He maintains a 3.5 grade point average and is involved in basketball, track, weight lifting and baseball.

“He is quiet in class, and he does his work. He is really nice too,” said class mate Nichole Periquito.

James says he will continue to improve in all areas, and has set a goal to have a higher G.P.A. in college than he does in high school.

He also hope to continue to improve in the sports department.

It is certain that with this hardworking mentality, James will continue to raise the bar as he progresses through college.