Gaines Jr. not slowing down for senior year

Mustang’s Waleed Gaines Jr. takes part in summer workouts. photo by Michael Kinney

By Michael Kinney  
Mustang Times

Waleed Gaines Jr. does not lack for confidence. That is one of the first attributes that stands out when watching the Mustang senior any time he steps onto the gridiron.

Whether he is lining up opposite an elite wide receiver or preparing to return a punt return, Gaines gives off the impression that he believes he is the best player on the field at all times and is affronted if others disagree.

While this is a trait found in defensive backs at all levels, according to MHS defensive coordinator Waleed Gaines Sr., his son puts in the work to try and make it true.

“He does his job. His development has always been just work,” Gaines Sr. said. “He’s a coach’s kid, so he knows football, but there are days we’re in the house and he’s bored and he’s not playing video games and he’ll take my keys and he’d come to the field and work. And that’s his mentality.”

Now as a senior preparing for his final go-around with the Broncos, that work ethic has not let up for Gaines Jr. While he says his growth since his freshman campaign has been exponential, he is not ready to slow down.

The 6-0, 170-pound Gaines Jr. gives much of the credit for his development to the coaching staff and teammates at Mustang. In turn, he attempts to be the best teammate he can be as well.

“It’s something that has come naturally,” Gaines Jr. said. “Since I’ve been a coach’s kid growing up like that, I’ve kind of had to take on the role. So I’ll say it’s natural, but I guess I kind of helped other people become more vocal like that too.”

While he has grown physically and his skills have expanded, Gaines Jr. looks at another part of his game that has allowed him to develop into a top-notch cornerback with DI-level potential.

“Probably my intelligence,” Gaines Jr. said. “I’m very smart. Being able to read the offense and defense if I’m playing offense and just seeing plays before it happens. I would say definitely my intelligence.”

Gaines Jr. will be looking to use that intelligence on both sides of the ball this year. Not only will start at cornerback, he is expected to see significant time at wide receiver.

Being able to play both positions allows Gains Jr. to play with a little more insight into what to expect on both sides of the ball.

“I could see the perspective of a DB at receiver, so I’ll know how he plays things, what he’s thinking, and I can use that to my advantage for leverage,” Gaines Jr. said. “On the other side, I guess it’s also the same thing. I could base their tempo on whether they’re running inside releases or outside releases. I guess it also allows me to see what they’re doing.”

However, it is in the secondary where Gaines Jr. has earned his nickname The Warden and has made his biggest impact for the Broncos. Yet, even he has a hard time deciding his preference between leveling a big hit or picking off a quarterback.

“That’s tough. I would say interception because obviously, you’re giving the ball back to the offense,” Gaines Jr. said. “But with a big hit, you kind of leave an impression on them to not to come across the field.”

But Gaines Jr. had a simple solution. Just do both.

He hopes to have plenty of opportunities to make those types of game-deciding plays as he looks to help guide the Broncos to the playoffs and beyond.

“Honestly, we just need to keep working the way we are,” Gaines Jr. said. “Get stronger in the weight room, watching film, that’s the big thing. But going into the season that is what we’re going to do anyway, so I think we will be good.”