Ever since D’Marye Dedrick picked up a football for the first time as a 6-year-old, he was hooked on tossing the proverbial pigskin.

Dedrick, who graduated from Kentlake High School in 2014, is the Eastside Bulldogs starting quarterback and team captain on the gridiron. The Bulldogs, who are in their fourth season of existence as a team that competes in the Northwest Junior College Football League, are composed of players from various community colleges in the area. The Bulldogs earned first place in the NJCFL last season, compiling an overall record of 5-1. The Bulldogs have a 1-2 record thus far during the 2016 season. The Bulldogs signal caller relishes having the ball in his control on every offensive play.

“It is the best. The play pretty much depends on me. The ball is always in my hand. I love that,” Dedrick said. “I can make or break the game. There is pressure that comes with that but I love it.”

Dedrick, who is in his second season on the squad, said team camaraderie has been evident during early season workouts and practice sessions.

“Everyone is out here trying to push the next person to be better. Everyone here is willing to sacrifice in order for the next guy to get better. I love it,” Dedrick said.

He said the supporting cast around him is abundant with a bevy of talented players.

“We probably have four new offensive lineman and a couple of new receivers to go along with some veteran receivers. We are going to be very strong in the wide receiver core,” he said. “I love watching game film and knowing what the defense is going to throw at me.”

Recently, the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Dedrick a few questions about his life away from the gridiron.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

D’Marye Dedrick: I really like “300.” There is a lot of action and I’m an action head. It has the most action I have seen in a movie in awhile.

BR: What is your favorite eatery?

DD: BJ’s (Restaurant and Brewhouse) near Southcenter Mall. I like barbecue. I love soul food.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

DD: I probably send 100 to 200. I know that probably sounds like a lot but that is light to me.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from football?

DD: Video games. It helps me take my mind off of things and stay loose at home.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

DD: Beyonce Knowles.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

DD: I watch a lot of cartoons. My little brother is 6 years old.