Massillon lineman Te’Jamere Nash commits to Findlay
MASSILLON, Ohio — A new year prompts us to reflect on all we have accomplished, but more importantly, to look forward to new beginnings.
For senior lineman Te’Jamere Nash, that new beginning is being a leader and competing at the college level in his next chapter at the University of Findlay.
Originally from inner city Cleveland, Nash grew up impoverished and in difficult circumstances. Nash credits his family as being the strong support group that encouraged him throughout his childhood and beyond.
“They played a huge part in my life,” Nash explained. “They made me a new person and taught me how to be responsible, how to hold myself accountable, breaking bad habits and pushing me to be great.”
Nash moved on to attend Washington High School in Massillon where he would be pushed even further. A known competitive football program in the state, Massillon has a rich history and has produced several collegiate All-Americans, professional players and even NFL coaches and owners such as Paul Brown.
Nash shared that as an upperclassman at Massillon, you have to learn to be a leader.
“Show them how to be a Massillon Tiger,” he explained. “You have to be a leader, show no mercy, you have to also be aggressive (and) know how to face adversity.”
That adversity took many forms for Massillon over the last two years with COVID-19, injuries and difficult playoff battles. In the 2020-21 season, Massillon competed in the state championship game for the third straight year. The Tigers faced off against the 2018 state champions Archbishop Hoban.
That same season as a junior, Nash had to work harder than ever. Massillon’s line had already been solidified with current University of Pittsburgh lineman Terrence Moore. Nash had to compete with his friend and teammate for the left tackle position and earn his time on the field.
“During the season, we were getting half-reps in practice and in games,” Nash explained.
But his biggest opportunity and challenge that season came in the championship game when Massillon’s starting guard fell to injury and the coach plugged Nash into the line for the remainder.
That challenge continued for Nash, as he, along with the rest of the line, faced off against ESPN three-star linebacker and future Wisconsin outside linebacker Darryl Peterson.
The Tigers fell to Archbishop Hoban in that game 35-6. Despite the loss, Nash holds that challenge as one of his favorite memories throughout his football career.
“Going against a DI athlete… (and) seeing how far I came,” he reflected. “It was a great feeling being a part of that, trying my best and putting it all out there.”
Nash took the experience and respect gained from his junior year and looked to build his game further and mature as a leader. When asked about what lessons he learned from his time with Massillon football, he explained that discipline has prepared him for college.
“Nothing is going to be handed to you,” he said. “You really have to put in the work.”
That work and improvement certainly paid off for Nash in his senior season, as he was named to the 2021 All-County offensive team for Stark County.
“It was an exciting thing, but it was a step forward (realizing) that everything I have done is being noticed,” he shared. It also reminded him to “be humble (and) work harder,” and kept him motivated to improve.
Last month, Nash officially committed to the University of Findlay to continue his journey of self-improvement and helping a new community.
He joins the Oiler family next season which finished with the regular season conference champion 6-1 record in the NCAA’s Division II Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
Findlay finished the 2021 season with the best record in the conference and they look forward to maintaining their dominance next season with additions such as Nash bolstering the line.
Findlay has been one of the most competitive programs for football in the conference and with their new additions, they are closer to maintaining that status.
The competitive and hard-working atmosphere of Findlay seemed very similar to high school for Nash.
“I see it as a bigger Massillon,” Nash expressed on his commitment to Findlay. “It felt like home.”
At Findlay, Nash hopes to contribute by being a huge leader to the community and his teammates. His work ethic and desire to improve will translate nicely into his next stage of life and competition.
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