Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/109499
stayed there until 2004, when he was 7 years old and his parents got a divorce, and then moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., before settling in to Mission Viejo, Calif. The Connecticut native and California resident quickly became the man of the house and found himself taking a more mature approach to his athletic career than his peers. While most were having fun, he was on a mission — a trait that was instilled early in his high school career at Mission Viejo High when he earned a contributing role as a sophomore. While Redfield was showing early signs of being a leader, he had a more important role — being there for his younger brother, Langston (9), who is in fourth grade and his biggest fan. "We do a lot of things together," the Irish signee said of his only sibling. "I take him to the mall with me. We shoot hoops together because basketball is his favorite sport. I take him out to eat. He's my best friend. "Even though there's an eight-year gap between us, I've always been excited to be a big brother. I feel like I'm more mature because of it and have been able to take on a lot of responsibility." Redfield understands the value in having an athletic background and wants to be the example for his younger brother. "It's benefited him a lot seeing me go through the process. He watched me play football, basketball and run track," he said. "It gives him aspirations to perform at a high level, too. People want to say that he'll be better than me because of it, and I couldn't ask for anything more. I hope he is, and he keeps striving to be the best." The five-star player goes back East once or twice a year to see his father. The elder Floyd made the trip to St. Petersburg, Fla., to see his son play in the Under Armour All-America Game. "We're really close even though there's a big distance between us," Redfield shared. "Even when I was young, I remember him being a big impact on me. He encouraged me to take things on and develop earlier than those around me to make myself better. He taught me a valuable lesson, and I'll never forget it." Having experienced maintaining a strong long-distance relationship with his father, Redfield knows it's his turn now — he'll be leaving his younger brother in the summer months to report to South Bend. "It's most definitely going to be tough and I had to factor it in my decision," he said. "But going away from my family doesn't mean I'm no longer part of it, and it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. He understood that and knew it was the best choice for me. "We'll talk all the time, and I'm not really worried about communication at all. The same way I grew up fast he'll be in the same position now, and it will be better for him. I'll always be his big brother and do whatever I can to keep him on the right path." ✦