OKEECHOBEE – Andre Santiago got down and dirty to achieve his milestone moment today (June 28).
The Okeechobee 2025 defensive end picked up his first collegiate scholarship offer from Bluefield, a NAIA school based in Bluefield, Va.
Santiago shared his sheer jubilation for what transpired earlier today.
“It was awesome,” the 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive end said. “I mean I didn’t think I was going to come out of the Webber camp with an offer. It’s really just a blessing from God. And I was just star struck when Coach Kelly [Scott] pulled me aside and talked to me. I really had almost no words to say. I was just filled with joy and excitement, and it felt good to finally be recognized for the player I am and the hard work I put in.”
The 34th Annual Down and Dirty Lineman Camp, which was at Webber International University in Babson Park from June 25-27, was a true showcase moment for Santiago in more ways than one. In front of many college and high school football coaches, the Brahmans standout won four competition matches. It was believed to be a history-making achievement for both Santiago and the Okeechobee football program.
“We had two practices Tuesday that we’re going over our stances and basics,” Santiago said. “Then Wednesday was three practices, getting more into detail of all those things. And then Thursday we did competitions. Actually right before the competitions, my cleats blew out and I had to borrow some from the school, which was really cool and a life saver.”
Santiago did not stop there.
“We did four competitions, which were bag-dads,” Santiago continued. “I believe that’s the name. It’s where you have a three-man team versus another three-man team, which me and my two teammates – the twins William Crum and Thomas Crum – won together.”
Santiago spoke on the other competitions.
“Then I also won the competition where it was who can beat a two-versus-one the most consistently and efficiently, which was a solo competition,” Santiago said. “In the one-on-ones for defensive pass rush, I also won. And the last one was board drills. I won that as well.”
Santiago shared why it was a history-making for himself and his school.
“Coach Whitlock said that nobody from Okeechobee has ever won all four competition matches in the 15 years he has been going there,” Santiago said. “It was a really awesome experience, and it was really fun to see how far I could push myself to see how far I could go.”
Okeechobee 2026 quarterback Christopher Evans spoke on Santiago’s big week of achievements.
“He won every championship drill at the Down and Dirty lineman camp,” Evans said. “It was an amazing sighting of him throwing and making offensive linemen look silly.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Izzy
Muck City Media Enterprises 
Leave a comment