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Christopher James Venezia, also known as CJ, is 21 years old. He has been playing football since he was 9 years old. Since the beginning of playing football CJ has played every position on the field. When he was young he didn't have a lot of speed but had great hands and smarts, a lot of which he acquired from being a point guard in basketball. When he got into high school he found himself becoming one of the fastest players out there and quickly became the starting running back. CJ attended Saguaro High School and was moved up to varsity his sophomore year at the running back position. He split time with another running back until his junior year where he became the starter. His senior year CJ only played the first three games when he had a season ending injury. Also during his senior year, along with being the starting running back, CJ was moved out to free safety for third downs and other clutch situations. In those first three games he had 413 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns. He was named Defensive Player Of The Week in Arizona with 3 interceptions in week 2 of his senior year. This past season CJ was a first year player for the minor league football team Phoenix Outlaws. He was their starting running back going into the season and then became their #1 wide receiver Week 6 of the season. In the last four weeks of the season and one playoff game, CJ finished with 6 touchdowns and 400 yards receiving. He now starts his second season back with the Phoenix Outlaws as well as considering on going to an open tryout in the next six months for a professional level.
CJ's goals in football have changed majorly in the past year. He started his rookie season with the Outlaws mainly just to keep playing the sport that he loves. Being in pretty good shape he played that season and realized that he play at the next level. CJ is convinced that he is one of the best athletes on the field, and knows he has only put 50% of himself to football that season. Training this summer and continuously training CJ can see himself as the best athlete he knows, and his goal is to go pro either NFL, CFL or AFL. He feels strongly that he has the ability and is young enough to get to that level.
Outside of football and in the off season you will mostly find CJ in the gym playing basketball and lifting. Outside of athletics he has a full time job selling auto glass for Izon Auto Glass, and has a pool cleaning service that he started in January of this year, which keeps him busy about two days a week. CJ has had a full time job ever since he has gotten out of high school and is 100% financially responsible for himself. He has had a girl friend for the past four years and is planning on living with her soon.
Ever since CJ was a kid he has been determined in everything he does. From getting good grades, to playing sports, to doing sales, he knows when he wants to accomplish something, he can and will. CJ has always been a leader in his life and always part of successful programs. Athletically he played varsity basketball at the point guard position all four years of high school. Playing point guard more than anything has given him great vision and timing. He is very quick and very strong athletically. He has the best hands on his team, and feels if he can touch the ball he can catch it. CJ can also dunk a basketball, and is very quick. What he wants to let scouts know most of all is that he know that he is athletic and skilled enough in football for the next level, and is determined to work as hard as he can to improve his game to be great!