Deondre Little was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after a 96-yard touchdown in Lakeland High School’s playoff game against York High School.

Little, a senior at Lakeland, had a successful season on the field. As a wide receiver and defensive back for the team, he has been able to make big plays on both sides of the ball for the Cavs. That was evident during the first quarter against York in a playoff game.

Lakeland quarterback Tyquan Holloman huddled with the offense and called a specific play to let Little know the ball was going to be hitting him on the back side away from the defender. Little knew he had to make the play, or the team was threatening a safety being backed up into their own territory.

He sold a slant route so that the corner bit on it and took off up the field. Holloman released the ball, and it was all Little and his speed from there. As a result, it was one of the longest plays Little has ever made.

“I made the play on the ball as soon as I caught it,” he said. “I just used my speed from there and outran the corner.”

Even though Little and his team were not able to achieve all the goals they had set before the season, he still felt his season was successful. He had a goal to make the all-district first team, whether it was offense or defense. He was selected a first-team wide receiver. The journey to the postseason honor was well worth it for the senior. The Southeastern District is loaded with top competition and talent. Little knew every night he stepped on the field, he was going to have to work and prepare hard to show that he belonged among the best.

Along with district honors, he hopes he can also become an all-region player as well. The Lakeland senior is motivated by his dream to become something special and a well-known player for the sport he loves while also knowing that his parents are proud of him at the end of the day. His family, along with his coaches, inspire him to perform at the highest level, because he knows how much faith they have in him.

NFL players Patrick Peterson, Odell Beckham Jr. and Julio Jones are all athletes Little likes to learn from. He tried to model his game after those players. While Little also runs track for Lakeland, when he is not around any sports he is steadily working on his academics.

He has not decided on where he will attend college yet but knows he wants to major in engineering, and that will help determine his decision. His play this season has caught the eyes of some college programs, and Little will take the time to make the right choice.