East County Athlete of the Week: Amari Pitts

Amari Pitts will be a senior next semester for the Braden River High football team. A starting defensive back last season, Pitts has received offers from the Air Force Academy and Florida A&M University this offseason.

When did you start playing football?

At 9 years old. I started in flag football, then moved to tackle when I was 11. My dad (Deral Pitts) is a football guy, and he was a big influence on me, but I also just wanted to try the sport.

What is the appeal to you?

The intensity of it, and the fun I have on the field. I played basketball when I was younger, too, but I’m way better at football (laughs). I have more fun with it.

What is your best skill?

My smarts. I’ve been a starter since my sophomore year (then at Manatee High). I have experience that others don’t. I study and watch film. I know what’s happening on the field.

What is your favorite memory?

My first year playing tackle at age 11, with the YMCA Lakewood Ranch Colts, we won the championship game. I played running back and linebacker at the time. It was just a great feeling to win a title in my first real season playing football.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Switching from linebacker to defensive back. It’s a weird position. You have to guess where someone is going to go next.

How did it feel to get your first college offer?

I was ecstatic, just so happy. I was at the Mercer University football camp in Georgia (on June 1), and I had talked to Air Force’s secondary coach (John Rudzinski) before I got there. He told me if I played great, I would get an offer from him, and I played great.

What is your dream vacation?

Going to Hawaii. It’s beautiful there. Or, going to the Bahamas, somewhere in the Caribbean. I like the beach.

What is your biggest fear?

I’m scared of nuns. Ever since I saw the movie “The Conjuring 2,” I’ve been scared of them.

What is your favorite subject?

Math. I’m good at it, but it’s also fun. It’s not like English, where you’re sometimes half-right. You’re either right or you’re wrong.

Finish this sentence: Amari Pitts is …

The best cornerback in Manatee County. Actually, scratch that, in Florida. You always have to think you’re the best when you play my position.