Athlete of the Week: Chancellor Barclay, The First Academy football

At 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds, The First Academy football’s Chancellor Barclay has garnered the attention of the nation’s top collegiate football teams — receiving scholarship offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and plenty of others. 

Before transferring to TFA for his junior season, the four-star offensive lineman was dominant playing at tackle for Lake Minneola High. In 2024 for the Royals, expect Barclay to continue that type of performance on the interior, leading a stacked TFA line from the guard position. 

The Basics

Age: 16

Sport: Football

Grade: Junior

School: The First Academy

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? 

It’s a blessing; all the glory to God. If it wasn’t for Him and the people He has put in my life, I would be nowhere close to where I am now.

What are you looking forward to the most this football season? 

Being able to play with this team that the Lord has given me. I’m excited to be able to play alongside these guys and also be able to be a little versatile and play offensive guard this season. I was a tackle the last two years, but because guard’s probably going to be my collegiate position, I’m making that shift this season.

What has been your favorite part of your college recruiting journey this summer? 

Going on these visits, competing at camps, training and working out with my team, and improving myself physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.

What is your favorite part of playing football? 

Being a part of a team and winning games. It’s also fun to be able to play offensive line, because it creates a standard to not just help you become a disciplined football player but also a disciplined man.

What is your goal for this season — for yourself and the team? 

I believe as a team our goal is to win a state championship. That’s the biggest goal, and we’re going to keep taking the necessary steps and do the work to be able to achieve that. Whatever the team needs me to do to achieve that goal, I’m going to do it.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the game of football? 

Take it one play at a time. Don’t focus on the bad plays you had in the past, don’t focus on the future of the game or what you believe could happen. Focus on your assignment and complete it to the best of your ability.

Favorite football memory? 

My freshman year, when we won districts at Lake Minneola High. It was just a special moment for me at the time, because it was my first high school year, and we made the playoffs.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

Any Rod Wave song. I pretty much listen to a Rod Wave playlist for pregame.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Math; only because of how enjoyable it gets when you understand how to solve the problem.

What is your favorite movie?

“Boo! A Madea Halloween.” It’s funny, and I always enjoy Tyler Perry’s movies.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would probably go to the beginning of my freshman year, because I would want to tell myself to put faith in the Lord more and accept Him, and if you trust the path He is setting you on, you won’t have to overthink or lose confidence.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Am I continuing to be obedient and faithful to the Lord?

Who is your favorite superhero?

The Hulk, because he has the mindset of an offensive lineman, literally.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

The Joker, because he is a clown, and clowns are funny.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

To be able to spawn any food from any place into my hand, because I love food.