Daniel Warner, a senior linebacker at Great Neck South High School, has been nominated as a Old Spice Player of the Year finalist.
The mission of the Old Spice program is to motivate, inspire and recognize varsity high school football players who show outstanding athletic performance, strong leadership, and the will to win on and off the field.
Warner was excited to learn of his nomination when contacted by Blank Slate Media on Monday.
“I think it’s great. I’m glad to represent my school and be recognized for my ability,” said Warner, a 210-pound senior linebacker who lives in Great Neck Estates.
Warner said his style of play is patterned after all-pro linebacker Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears who always tries to motivate others around him to do better.
“He tries to be the heart of the defense,” said Warner. “I try to do that too.”
An all-conference football player in his junior year and a player in the Nassau County All-Star game in November, Warner also plays lacrosse and basketball at Great Neck South.
Warner, nominated by Great Neck South football coach Mike Passuello, will receive a certificate to acknowledge his accomplishment but possibly much more.
As a result of this achievement, Warner is now among a select group of players across the nation who are eligible to be honored in a full-page feature story in the USA Today later this year listing the top 50 Old Spice players nationwide.
“For the tenth straight year, Old Spice is recognizing high school football players who go above and beyond the call of duty,” according to a company press release. “The program honors athletes who are able to elevate their play and step up when the heat is really on.”
After graduation in June, Warner said will not make football a priority, but his time spent on the football field will help him succeed in college where he plans on pursuing a career in the medical field.
“I think the time and energy invested in it will play out in academics,” he said.
The Old Spice Player of the Year program is nationally sponsored by Proctor & Gamble, the makers of Old Spice Deodorant.
Reach reporter Rich Jacques by e-mail at rjacques@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x203. Follow Rich Jacques on Twitter at twitter.com/richjacques.
