Blacksburgh High Player Profile

Wake at the crack of dawn. Plow the field. Clean out the barn. And, later in the day, tackle lightning-fast running backs and kickoff returners.

That's Josh Ramirez's not-so-ordinary daily to-do list.

The Blacksburg High football player moved to the Upstate from South Aiken High School as a ninth-grader to help his grandfather, Dewitt Elliott, take care of the family farm.

"My grandfather is 81 and needs someone to help him with chores around the family farm," Ramirez said. "I live with my grandparents. I enjoy helping him out every chance I get."

Ramirez drives each day from the family farm in Cowpens to attend Blacksburg High.

After school, the 5-9, 165-pound linebacker spends two hours at football practice before returning home to once again help with the farming duties.

Despite growing up in South Aiken, Ramirez has close ties to the Blacksburg football program.

His grandfather as well as his cousin Toby Elliott played football at Blacksburg High.

Ramirez now is making his mark as a special teams dynamo and a valuable reserve.

Ramirez recklessly sprints down the field in hopes of delivering the first hit on the opposition's kick returner. He also plays linebacker and has seen time at running back this season.

"Josh is a very good team player. His motor is always running and he is always ready to play," Blacksburg High Head Football Coach Robbie Blanton said. "He has good speed and plays beyond his size. He will see more playing time and be a contributor to our team next year."

Blacksburg (2-7) plays its final regular season football game today against Crescent (1-8). A win would give the Wildcats some much-needed momentum headed into the offseason and send this year's senior class out on a winning note.

There is another reason this game is special for Ramirez - he'll get a chance to bond with his immediate family.

"My mother, sister and brother are coming up from South Aiken to see me play tonight," he said. "My brother normally plays for the South Aiken football team so this will be the first time my family has gotten a chance to see me play this season. I'm looking forward to seeing them again."

Despite the team's record, Ramirez has kept a positive attitude.

"I love football," he said. "I play with all my heart. I try to be a leader on and off the field. I'm going to start working out as soon as the season ends so I can get bigger and stronger to help our team win."

"We have had a good week of practice. We want to win tonight so we can send the seniors out with a win in their last game," Blanton said.