Aiden Black, a 2024 graduate, is currently playing Division 1 football at Stanford University. Black plays tight end at Stanford and is majoring in political science.

What does your daily schedule look like during the season?

I wake up and get breakfast at 7 a.m. Then I have special teams and position meetings from 8-9 a.m. and lift from 9:15-10:15 a.m. After that my first class is from 10:30-11:50 a.m., my next class is 1:20-2:50,  and pre-practice meetings from 3-3:45 p.m. Practice is from 4:15-6:15 and I eat dinner around 7 p.m. I’m usually in bed by 10:30 p.m.

How do you think your first season went?

It was difficult but enjoyable. The team did not finish where we expected to finish, which hopefully will change next year. However, playing here has been really awesome, and the environment was new and exciting.

What has been your favorite part of your college experience so far?

Honestly, academic independence. While it is definitely more challenging to manage time in college, being able to hand pick your own schedule is awesome. Being able to have that freedom to pick and choose your learning experience is my favorite part.

How do you like the bond that you have with your teammates?

I love it. It’s always great to have dudes around you who all want to compete and win as much as you do. The guys here are great, and I felt like part of a family within the first week.

How does high school football differ from college football?

I think the biggest difference is the skill gap. In college, everyone is big, everyone is fast and everyone is strong at this level, but in high school, that’s not the case. 

What advice would you give to the student athletes who aspire to be college athletes?

I would say to be consistent, be confident and be perseverant. Working hard is great, but it is very important to work hard consistently, not occasionally.