Former Lakeland High School standout DeAndre Faulk hopes to be a consistent contributor for the Hampton University football team.

After redshirting his first year last fall, Faulk took the time to step back and learns the ins and outs of the college game. As a freshman, he got to learn what being a student-athlete on the college level was all about while also working on his craft for his team, despite not officially playing in games.

Now, Faulk heads into his second year hoping to step on the field and make an impact for HU however he can. He was an athletic linebacker in his days as a Cav and hopes to continue to translate that.

“I feel like this is going to be a breakout year for me,” Faulk said. “I see myself being a big contributor on defense and special teams. Because of my work ethic and dedication, I show that I really want it. I’m just ready to prove the doubters wrong and help the team.”

Faulk said he wasn’t upset about being redshirted, because he knew he would be able to get bigger and stronger while also getting the playbook down. Over the spring, he feels he has been taking the right steps that could put him in position to make an impact for the Pirates football team.

“The spring went well for me, just getting back into the groove,” he said. “Just staying on top of my fundamentals and technique.”

Faulk had a strong career at Lakeland, where he started as a freshman and ended his career as a multiple All-District, All-Region and All-State performer. As an upperclassman, he started to garner interest from Division I programs and decided to stay close to home and play at Hampton University.