The 2020 pandemic shook high school sports across the country as players and coaches rushed to adapt to the new process of recruiting.
Joseph Hooks, founder of 480 Club and 480 Elite, has worked to fill that void through the years as he’s helped several high-caliber prospects develop into the young men they are today. 480 Club was founded in 2014 by Hooks as a method to unite prospects across schools to organize and provide additional opportunities for driven student-athletes. Hooks then founded 480 Elite just three years later as West Virginia freshman receiver Kaden Prather, Pittsburgh defensive end Deandre Jules, and Pittsburgh sophomore receiver Jordan Addison are among the long list of prospects that have worked together with Hooks. Providing these resources, such as after-school programs and community events, in addition to additional training opportunities was important to Hooks to help develop the youth in the area.
“480 Club helped provide e-services, after-school programs, community events, advocacy and it really was a training-mentoring athletes, giving affordable free options during the offseason,” Hooks said. “We always talk about it takes a village and I presented them and stepped up to be the mentor and leader to bring back alumni, guest speakers and workout for 480 minutes two days a week. So it’s all about trusting the process and trusting those to help and guide them along the way.” The impact that Hooks left on student-athletes during the pivotal years of their maturity was evident and an aspect that is not overlooked.
“He helped us with our work ethic and our mindset. Making sure we came to work every day and whatever we started, we had to finish. He taught us how to stand up for ourselves and not be afraid to lead,” Addison told Inside the Black and Gold. “I feel like it’s very important because outside looking in, everyone that he has coached stands out when they get to the next level.” Central Connecticut State wide receiver Isiah Williams first met Hooks when he was 11 and knew he had a mentor to look up to.
“I grew up in Montgomery Village community and he was a substitute teacher for my class one day. My aunt, she went to Watkins Mill High School, so she went to school with coach Hooks. I played for Montgomery Village and that’s where he used to coach at,” Williams said. “Very honest.”
Four-star wide receiver Peter Kikwata has worked closely with Hooks over the years as the Northwest product admitted that “everything is a lesson” with his role model. “He prepares us for not only football but also the real world and how to become better men. He’s helped me with speed training. Anytime I need a workout, or anyone needs a workout, he’ll give his time out his day and help you become better and when he does, he gives his 100% at all times. He never sells us short. I feel like coach Hooks has helped me get to this point by preparing me for the real world and helping me mature into a more responsible young man. He’s always gave us opportunities. Always took us to compete against the best. Always put the kids first.”
While 2020 provided limited opportunities for student-athletes to assemble and compete, 480 Elite took advantage of growing opportunities for 7-on-7 tournaments this year as they recently took in the Battle 7-on-7 tournament in May. St. John’s running back Jamar Curtis suited up for a shortened WCAC season this spring but was appreciative for additional opportunities to suit up under Hooks and 480 Elite. “My friend plays quarterback and I just saw him at a practice with older players and I knew everybody there, so I just wanted to join. Coach Hooks welcomed me as soon as I texted him,” Curtis added. “Especially when trainers weren’t really training and stuff, he’s just always out there trying to help.”
Four-star safety and Boston College verbal Jamal Hood saw their consistent practice time pay off with a strong performance on day one of the 7-on-7 tournament. “He showed me to stay real. Some players don’t get that, but I got it, just stay real, play for the real. This past Battle tournament, we did good.”
With summer now in full swing, Hooks is aiming to have the themes of their workouts translate into improved habits and knowledge as they progress through their individual recruitments.
“Through the workouts, the mental toughness and brotherhood and bonding was a give-and-take relationship, so we wanted to be hands-on. Most coaches just either can’t or won’t do the drill and show them so I felt that I can be that example,” Hooks said. “It really was that mental component. After the workouts I’d bring in guest speakers like Orlandis Gary, Trevon Diggs came out early when he was still at Avalon. Derrick Tangelo was at Duke at the time, Deandre Jules came back and spoke with the kids so that was important. I wanted a good example for guys and the positive examples coming out of the neighborhood.”
As 480 Elite continues to grow its reputation on the gridiron, Hooks continues to ensure his message translates into more positive role models within the community.
“I’m really big on networking and building relationships. I know friends that coached from D3 to D1, and I pass that information along. You have your coaches, you have your parents but sometimes, being that extra voice to help with those things is important.”
“I really focused on trying to create them to be leaders in their own environment, different schools, and communities to give back as well and keep this going. Help them become positive role models beyond just football.”