Nick Yebba, a Class of 2031 student at Dover Sherborn Middle School in Dover, Massachusetts, has been developing his football journey since he was eight years old. Inspired by watching the final seasons of Tom Brady and the leadership of current stars like Joe Burrow, Nick was drawn to the quarterback position. For him, the energy of the sport, the excitement of playing quarterback, and the connection with fans, coaches, and teammates all fuel his passion for football.
Nick believes that to be a great quarterback, leadership is the most important quality. Being able to command the huddle, motivate teammates, and understand not just the quarterback’s role but everyone’s responsibilities on the field are traits he strives to master. His admiration for Joe Burrow stems from Burrow’s relentless work ethic, resilience through injuries, and positive attitude toward both the game and the media, even without always having a Super Bowl-winning roster around him.
Outside of football, Nick is a multi-sport athlete who plays baseball and basketball. He enjoys pitching, hitting, and playing first base on the baseball diamond while steadily improving on the basketball court. He plans to continue all three sports through middle school and into high school.
Nick’s current training includes working with M2 QB Academy under coaches Michael McCarthy and Alex McLaughlin, who have helped him sharpen his footwork, accuracy, and mechanics. He also trains regularly with his father at the gym and practices baseball and basketball to stay versatile as an athlete. Reflecting on his early days, Nick remembers the transition from flag football to tackle football as one of his biggest challenges. Thanks to Coach Pappas at Natick Middle School, that change was made smoother, laying an important foundation for his continued growth.
As Nick prepares to start seventh grade at Xaverian Brothers High School, he’s excited about the opportunities ahead. The school’s strong sports programs and training will help him advance his skills and reach new heights. His short-term goals include completing the spring 2025 season with the New England Youth Tackle League, playing for the Mass Destruction team out of Brockton, Massachusetts, and preparing to earn a starting quarterback position at Xaverian in the fall.
Nick’s pregame routine is a thoughtful mix of warming up with his coaches at M2 QB Academy or with his father at a local field, along with ensuring a good night’s sleep before game day. His most memorable moment so far was setting the goal to play quarterback after switching to tackle football, then achieving it in the third game of the season—a moment that gave him the confidence to continue pushing forward.
Nick’s advice to other athletes is clear: don’t give up. When he first joined a new team, he wasn’t the starting quarterback and even played defensive end. But persistence and dedication led to him eventually getting his shot under center. He values the friendships he built through that experience and the lessons learned about perseverance and teamwork.
With a strong work ethic, a team-first attitude, and a passion for leadership, Nick Yebba is well on his way toward a bright future in football. As he takes his next steps with the Xaverian Hawks, there’s no doubt he will continue to make his mark on and off the field.