The season is winding down and now some of you are moving on to basketball or wrestling, as well as training for spring sports. I want to encourage each of you to continue to build on the brotherhood that you have established with your football teammates.

It is imperative that you continue to hang out and build camaraderie with your football teammates. It could be as simple as grabbing pizza or playing video games. But these small things mean a lot. It’s about being a support system for one another as you matriculate through high school and beyond.

Most of my teammates had dreams to play Division I football, and I am grateful to say that many of us earned the opportunity to play at schools such as Michigan State, Auburn, Florida State, USF and Kansas State.

It didn’t happy by accident. It was a bond that we developed in the offseason, where we continued to push each other and encourage one another to stay out of trouble and make wise decisions. Our goals were not immediate, but they were long-term dreams to be Division I football players, pave a debt free life for ourselves and become better men along the way.

Not everyone will be a Division I player, but you can still draw support from your high school football teammates, no matter where you end up.

I graduated high school in 2006, and I still hang out with the friends I played high school football with. My wife can attest that we are inseparable.

I am truly grateful for the friends I made playing high school football, and you will be too. You cannot put a price tag on great friends and people.

It is vital that you cherish every moment you have with your teammates. Continue to be a good steward and you will be surprised how your friendships will continue to blossom over time.

The season might be over, but the friends that you have gained will last forever.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as an honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com