Ladarian “Squirrel” Clardy might seem like any other third grader. He loves math, reading, and recess. His eyes light up as he talks about what books he is reading or when he is doing arithmetic problems.
But wait, isn’t this a sports magazine? Well, he happens to be the Next Generation 8U Player of the Year. The starting tailback for the Pensacola 8U Colts is helping lead his team on its quest to repeat as national champions. As you can probably tell, this young man is not your typical 8-year-old.
For Ladarian, playing for the Colts in the Panhandle Youth Football League is a family affair. His father, Ladaron Clardy, is President of the Warrington Youth Sports Association. His older brothers, Mikelle and Ladarius, both play in the league, and his mother, Shakema, is passing out Gatorade and Band-Aids (since she is also a nurse). And you can’t forget his grandmother, Barbara Reed, who doesn’t miss a game or many practices. They can be found at the practice field several nights a week and at Escambia High School’s Field where the Colts play on Saturday mornings during the season.
At such an early age, Ladarian has earned accolades and honors fitting for someone much older. He has the stats to back them up; he averages 125 yards and two touchdowns per game. In last year’s semifinal game in Orlando, he scored the winning touchdown with a 65-yard run and only 59 seconds on the clock. The Colts are undefeated thus far and are on track to defend their championship. Off the field, another award he and his family are very proud of is the fact that he is on the AB Honor Roll at Pine Meadow Elementary.
When not playing football or in school, Ladarian is playing video games or harassing his older brothers. He has also been around some other successful players, including his dad’s closest friend, Trent Richardson (who is also his god-uncle). He is looking forward to finishing up with another successful season in the AAU Nationals and learning more math problems and finding new books to read.
Sidebar: So why does everyone refer to Ladarian as “Squirrel”? Well, when he was younger, he was always running and bouncing around, like a squirrel. And it is with the agility and speed of his namesake that he takes care of business on the football field.
Ladarian “Squirrel” Clardy
Pensacola 8U Colts
Running Back
Age: 8
Family: Parents: Ladaron and Shakema Clardy; Brothers: Mikelle (Age 12), Ladarius (Age 13);
Grandmother: Barbara Reed
Grade: 3rd
School: Pine Meadow Elementary
Biggest Influences: My family, my Uncles, and my god-uncle Trent Richardson
Favorite Things: Football, math, reading, PlayStation 3
When I grow up: I want to be a running back in the NFL and eventually go into medicine
Northwest Florida / December 2015
Ladarian Clardy
Pine Meadow Elementary
A Squirrel on the Run
written by Arnold Gamber
photography by Amber Fletcher
