Del City coach on 2024 WR/CB LaDainian Fields: 'He's the best player in the state'
NOBLE, OKLAHOMA - Coach Robert Jones was unequivocal in his statement.
The Del City skipper left no room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
When describing the talents of senior LaDainian “Dae Dae” Fields, Jones stated the dynamic wide receiver and cornerback was the best player in the state of Oklahoma.
“LaDainian is a very special player,” Jones said. “I think he's the best player in the state. He shows it week in and week out.”
It’s easy to see why Jones felt this way. He made the statement right after watching Fields catch three touchdown passes for 209 total yards in Del City’s 34-13 victory over Claremore in the Class 5A semifinals.
However, Jones wasn’t caught up in the moment. This is how he has felt throughout the 2023 season.
“It’s just what he can do with the ball in the air,” Jones said. “You can't hold him with one guy and then what he does at cornerback. He still hasn’t had a touchdown catch caught on him all year.
"And then what he could do in the return game as well. So, he's great on all three phases in the return game at cornerback and then obviously receiver. Just a special player.”
However, when the question of him being the best was put to Fields, the TCU commit was more diplomatic.
“I'm very humble, so there are some other people out there," Fields said. "I don't, don't see myself as the best. I still got something to prove. Still stuff to work on.”
Del City's LaDainian Fields (right) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the Eagles' Class 5A semifinal win against Claremore on Nov. 24, 2023.
Fields, who transferred from Oklahoma City's Southeast High with his cousin Rodney Fields during the offseason, came into the year looking to improve his route running. LaDainian's 40 catches for 867 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season was a testament to that.
“I see my game improving in practice; we practice just like games,” Fields said. “I just see myself improving, working on what I really need to work on and just have been proving it.”
Del City cousins LaDainian, Rodney Fields teaming up for Eagles' unbeaten run this season
Yet, Fields has the same work ethic when he is on defense.
“I like to go both ways,” Fields said. “I just like to be on the field. That's my position, just stay on the field. I just like to be on the field and end the game.”
At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Fields has a three-star rating and is the No. 18 ranked player in the state, according to a number of recruiting sites. He has offers from Kansas State, Washington, Washington State and Kent State.
However, Fields committed to Texas Christian University on Aug. 5.
“As they started recruiting me, I knew it was family,” Fields said. “My mom, my dad loved it down there. They treated us just like family. So I knew it was home.”
Del City 2024 ATH Braelon Adamah lets his all-around play do all the talking
There was an extra added bonus in Fields choosing the Horned Frogs. He would be able to attend the same college as his namesake, former TCU legendary halfback LaDainian Tomlinson.
However, that also means leaving home and his family.
“I always dreamed about being (Division I) and going to college,” Fields said. “Ever since I was little, I used to watch LaDainian Tomlinson, that's who I'm named after. And you see he went to TCU. It feels good. It is a big deal.
"I'm going to leave my mom here in like eight months. I don't know what I'm going to do without her, but hey, I'm going to spend as much time as I can with her right now. So it just feels great to get to go to college, get my college paid for and get a degree. I'm very blessed.”
But before Fields heads off for Fort Worth or even sign his letter of intent, he has some work to do. His main goal this season has been to help lead the Eagles to a state title, which the program hasn’t won since 1976.
Del City (12-0) will get their chance this Saturday in Edmond when they take on defending champion Midwest City Carl Albert (13-0) in the 5A championship game.
“I just want to see me play hard, go 100 percent every time, every play and give it my all,” Fields said. “I got to. It is my last high school game.
"I’ve got to give it all I got.”
-- Michael Kinney | @SBLiveOK
