CJ Bazile, Jr.: Leaving It All On The Field

Note: Below is the main feature story for this home football game's edition of Flames Illustrated, Liberty's home football game day program.

I'm not sure there's a better feeling in sports than finishing your career with a win.

One of the few ways to actually accomplish this feat in college football is by winning a bowl game.

Not many teams get to say they won their last game of the season. And, I would love to be able to say that when my college football career at Liberty is complete.

I've been a part of some incredible experiences here at Liberty – like winning our first Conference USA title and playing in the Fiesta Bowl. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to compete for this university and represent my family every game.

As my final season as a Flame winds down, I'm determined to finish strong and give my team everything I've got.

It's all about the team, you know?

I don't want to sit back one day and think about what I could have done better or how I could have done something differently.

I'm putting the pedal to the floor and giving everything my full effort because I don't want to leave any regrets behind.

I'm going to finish knowing I gave it my all.

My Faith Is Strong

My faith is an important part of my life and has guided me to this point.

When I was praying for the Lord to send me to a school where I'd be able to prosper and make a name for myself, He sent me to Liberty.

God does everything for a reason, and He led me here.

One thing in my life I've learned is to be still and control what I can control.

I believe if it was within the Lord's will for me to move on, like looking into the transfer portal, He would have made me move.

However, I fully believe it was the Lord's will for me to stay on the Mountain, and that is why I am here today.

I just pour my trust in God and continue to pray to the Lord.

Lord, if this is for me, keep me here. If it's not, Father God, You do as You must.

And you see where my two feet are.

The Lord has done remarkable things for me, and I continue to thank Him for the amazing things He will do in the future.

Building A Championship Mindset

When I think about what it takes to win a championship, it starts in the locker room.

The coaches can coach and do their best to instruct us in the game, but it starts with the players.

We've got that brotherhood in the locker room, and I believe we have the pieces to go out there and chase a championship.

I believe this team can do it as long as everybody has that mindset. Everything is still in front of us, and we can still finish this season as conference champions.

We've given ourselves the opportunity, and now it's our time to continue to dig. We must continue to give a full effort because we've got a chance to do something special.

Everybody comes with an amazing attitude, and you'd think we're an undefeated team with the mindset we take into every practice and every game.

That's what it takes to win a championship, and I believe this team has what it takes.

Honoring the Past

In addition to representing my family every time I step on the field, I also represent those who wore my jersey numbers before me.

Before this season, I had the opportunity to wear the No. 11, which represented players like the late Jessie Lemonier.

And now that I wear No. 1, I think about players like Javon Scruggs, who was a great safety for this program and was nicknamed "The General."

And all that means something to me.

I'm not only representing my family, but I'm also representing the ones who wore these jerseys before me.

It's truly a blessing to have worn two numbers that are very important to this program.

Faith and Football

When I think about the future, the goal has always been to play at the NFL level.

I believe I serve a great God, and my God has never failed me.

I know that day will come, and He will allow me to step foot into that league, whether it's one year or 10 years – I know my name will be there one day.

And when we talk about long-term goals, I'm big on business.

I've always had an interest in real estate and real estate investment.

Even though it is not in my immediate future, I do have some amazing plans, especially when it comes to commercial properties.

I believe the Lord will put me in a position to do great things in the business world.

But for now, my focus is on finishing this season strong.

I want to leave it all on the field and know that I gave it my all.

I want to represent my family, my teammates, and the ones who wore these jerseys before me.

I want to honor their legacy and create one of my own.

And when it's all said and done, I want to look back on my time at Liberty with no regrets.

I want to know that I gave everything I had and made the most of every opportunity.

I want to finish my college football career with a win. I believe this team has what it takes to make that happen – winning both a conference championship and a bowl game before the year is done.

With faith, hard work, and the right mindset, I know we can achieve great things together.

#1 CJ Bazile, Jr.
Defensive End/Joker
6-1, 260, Sr.
Miramar High School
Miami, Fla.

Find Out More about CJ Bazile, Jr.
https://libertyflames.com/sports/football/roster/cj-bazile-jr/15573

Schedule

CJ Bazile, Jr.: Leaving It All On The Field

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CJ Bazile, Jr.