Joseph Credit didn’t play defense until his freshman year of high school. Before that, he was running the ball, not stopping it.
Fast forward just a few seasons, and the 6-foot-1, 215-pound three-star senior Pearland linebacker has become one of the most feared defenders in the district.
Through countless hours of film study, weightlifting, and technique refinement under local linebacker trainer Donnie Baggs, Credit turned a late start into a meteoric rise. He earned first-team all-defense honors as a junior and a Division I verbal commitment to the University of Kansas.
Now, he’s chasing district MVP honors, proving that even a late bloomer can make an early impact.
“Moving from the offensive side to the defensive side was a change that was unexpected, but I trusted my coaches in what they saw in me and it paid off big time,”
Joseph Credit
Like any new beginning, the transition came with challenges. Credit initially struggled to read his keys at the linebacker position, but through consistent practice, he grew more comfortable and confident.
“It was difficult at first, but as I refined my game, I got better,” said Credit. “I approached it with the mindset of mixing talent and IQ to become a starting varsity linebacker. Freshman year, I realized being able to hit dudes and making plays on the ball was more fun than offense could ever be.”
The Pearland coaching staff evaluated Credit the summer before his freshman year and saw his potential as a defensive player.
“You could see that he had some quality traits that could translate into success later in high school,” said Pearland head football coach BJ Gotte. “As time went on, we began to see the work ethic and commitment to his craft really help him take the next step as a player.”
That early adjustment laid the foundation for a rapid rise, but raw talent alone wasn’t enough. Credit’s growth depended on relentless preparation.
Once he committed to playing linebacker, his offseason training began to reflect that.
“When I first began training with coach Donnie Baggs, I looked like a baby giraffe, but as I kept going to him, my movement and instincts improved drastically,” said Credit.
As a freshman, Credit played on the junior varsity team. By his sophomore year, he was competing at the varsity level, where the players were bigger and the game was faster.
“When I first got on varsity, film study was the one thing I knew would separate me from every other linebacker in the district,” said Credit. “As time has gone on, my film study has become more thorough in how I approach the formations and tendencies an offense gives.”
The player who once resembled a baby giraffe became a student of the game, breaking down formations and understanding how to attack them. Agility and change of direction became key points of emphasis in his workouts with Baggs.
“With Joseph, I started with the basics,” said Baggs. “His stance, pad level, and working with square shoulders were points of emphasis. Learning the basics is like laying the foundation of a house. Once we were able to do the little things right, we moved to more advanced movements.”
Baggs, a former Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys linebacker, now trains athletes to perfect their craft. He sees many who go on to play college football, but admits that Credit stands out.
“His work ethic, attention to detail, and overall love of the game are a few things that stand out for Joseph,” said Baggs. “The kid literally eats, sleeps, and breathes football. He’s fully committed to perfecting his craft on and off the field. It’s very rare you see that type of mindset in young athletes. He is wired correctly and built for success.”
Credit’s dedication isn’t just visible on paper; it’s on display every session.
“In sessions, he’s often my lead example for a drill,” said Baggs. “I will often tell my younger linebackers to pay attention to his movements and his attention to detail. With him being a Division I athlete, other players want to beat him in a drill or do it better. He never backs down and accepts each challenge.”
All that preparation translated into results on the field. Credit quickly began to stand out among his peers, earning second-team all-defense honors as a sophomore and first-team all-defense as a junior.
“It felt like an honor making second-team all-defense as a sophomore and first-team all-defense as a junior, but I knew there was more in store for me as a player,” said Credit. “When we played Dickinson my sophomore year, it really showed me what I was capable of as a linebacker. I had 10 tackles, two sacks, and many other stats, which showed me what my versatility could be like.”
That hunger to improve continues to drive him.
“As his understanding and confidence in our team and opponents’ schemes grew, it allowed him to tap into his physical gifts to be even more impactful,” said Gotte.
With recognition came new expectations, and Credit wasn’t content to stop there. His senior season has brought fresh goals, including a shot at district MVP and proving his rise wasn’t a fluke.
“Winning district MVP for me would be a personal accomplishment and mean a lot, but my ultimate goal isn’t to be the best in the district, but the best in the city/state,” said Credit.
Through eight games, Credit leads the Pearland defense as they remain unbeaten in 6A Region III District 22. He’s totaled 41 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles, 19 quarterback hurries, seven sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
“I’m continuing to push the defense to not get complacent as we have more success,” said Credit.
His leadership and performance have elevated Pearland’s defense and captured the attention of college programs. His play and work ethic earned him a Division 1 offer and a verbal commitment to the University of Kansas.
“Every time I stepped on campus, it felt like a family. The University of Kansas has great facilities and offers a great education,” said Credit.
Credit chose Kansas over offers from Arizona State, TCU, and UCLA.
“As he has grown as a player, his recruitment has trended in the same direction,” said Gotte.
From a freshman learning defense to a senior chasing MVP honors and preparing for college, Credit’s journey proves that late starters can still reach the top if they’re willing to put in the work.
“Looking back, my journey from running back to linebacker shows my growth not only as a player but as a person,” said Credit. “Being able to withstand a change like that was hard, but in the long run it paid off.”
Credit’s rise wasn’t planned from day one, but through grit, guidance, and determination, he’s proven that even a late start can lead to a lasting legacy.
“I hope other athletes who make a position change late can see the journey it took for me to get here,” said Credit. “Lastly, I hope they trust in God, knowing that his plan is always greater.”
About Joseph Credit:
Class: 2026
IG: @JosephCredit_
Twitter: @JosephCredit_
Position: Linebacker
Height & weight: 6-feet-1, 215 pounds
Favorite artist: Drake
Status: Committed to the University of Kansas
