Northeast's Candio: How This Underdog Is Shocking Scouts with Record-Breaking Stats! Will He Make It?

Nardy Candio, a senior at Northeast High School in Mayfair, has found his niche in football, but it wasn't an easy journey. Starting out as a receiver, Candio struggled to make an impact during his freshman year. “I started playing when I was 6, but I couldn’t play growing up, it was just too much,” he recalled. This early experience with football laid a foundation, but it wasn't until his senior year that he truly thrived in the sport.

Initially, Candio’s freshman year was marked by uncertainty. “I started practice late because I wasn’t sure what I was doing, and I didn’t play in games,” he explained. His dreams of catching passes and making big plays were overshadowed by the reality of not fitting into the receiver role. However, a pivotal shift occurred when he transitioned to the defensive line this year, where he flourished.

Candio embraced the new position wholeheartedly. He quickly became an asset for the Northeast Vikings, showcasing his strength, speed, and tenacity on the field. “I just love it, I was able to go out there, go after the quarterback and stop the run,” he said. As a defensive end, his contributions helped the Vikings achieve a 3-2 record in Public League Independence play, part of a season that concluded with an overall record of 4-8.

The Viking's season came to an emotional close with a 22-14 loss to their rivals, the Central Lancers, during the annual Thanksgiving Day game. Although the defeat marked a bitter end for Candio, he found solace in the camaraderie shared with his teammates. “In the moment it was terrible, but thinking about it, it was a really fun ride with these guys,” he reflected after recording six tackles in that final game. Facing adversity, including a young team and players leaving, Candio emphasized the importance of sticking together through challenges.

Reflecting on his journey, Candio noted that it was a long time coming to have a breakout season. Before his senior year, he had minimal playing time, but he began to see growth during his junior year. “It clicked for me, honestly probably my junior year over the summer when our coaches said I should try to play defensive end and outside linebacker,” he recounted. Although he was resistant to the change initially, the extra practice on scout team made a significant difference. “That’s when it kind of clicked. I was trying to play receiver, but I was mostly playing scout team linebacker and defensive end and I was getting better.”

His newfound confidence as a player fueled his aspirations both on and off the field. “It gave me a lot of confidence. It boosted it because it made me realize my dreams and goals are still achievable,” Candio said, emphasizing the importance of hard work. This past year, he showcased his abilities, demonstrating that determination can lead to significant progress in a short time.

Candio credits his growth to his coaches. “The coaches here, my defensive coach and my head coach, they worked with me. I couldn’t do it without them. They helped me, they built my confidence and whenever I needed something, they were there,” he shared. Their support played a crucial role in his development, both as a player and as a young man.

As Candio looks toward the future, he expresses a desire to continue his journey in football. “I want to do something in sports management. I want to work hard, make money and if I can stay involved in sports, that’s a win-win,” he stated. With aspirations of playing at the next level, he remains committed to putting in the effort required to achieve his dreams. “I want a chance. I’m willing to do whatever I can to get it.”

Nardy Candio's story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in sports. His journey from a struggling receiver to a valuable defensive player exemplifies how finding the right fit can unlock potential. As he prepares to transition to the next chapter of his life, Candio's determination and love for the game will undoubtedly serve him well.