Meet Wildcat Nose Tackle DJ Ingram

Meet Wildcat nose tackle DJ Ingram aka Divonte Ingram

That is in case you don't know who this powerhouse is on or off the field; the El Camino senior brings it, not only on the turf, but also through his example in unfavorable times. In a 4–3 defensive set, nose tackles are rather quick and supposed to "shoot the 'A gap' and beat the center and very likely the weak-side or pulling guard into the backfield.  Illustrating exactly what Divonte is doing and what we all are praying for!

Mid November, his senior year on the field came to a halt or if you know DJ, I should say pause, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) a very rare form of cancer for someone his age.  Life drastically changed from the line to aggressive chemotherapy and the confines of a hospital.

What followed, a community that embraced the 17 year old;  blood drives, prayers, Chargers player visits, an overwhelming of love from not just Oceanside, but one that stretched throughout high schools and towns all the way through the North County and into San Diego, even nationally. A flanking of well wishes, prayers, PMA, support and aide.  He impacted us all, even Silver Pigskin finalist, Frank Buncom IV, used his interview with KUSI to speak of the need and helped with starting a fund to help him through Mission Federal Credit Union, under the name of “Divante “DJ” Ingram, AML fund”.

“Sometimes you’ve got to get the spotlight shined on you in order to pass it on to some other people who really need it,” said Buncom. “This format allowed me to get my message broadcast out, but it was less about my commitment and more about DJ Ingram. I wanted to shine a light on him.”

Dreams of UCLA on his radar, but all DJ wants is to get back to ECHS, he is planning to go to Palomar to play with the intent to become a Bruin in the future.  Obvious love for football and hoops, a former center for the Rough Riders, but he’s quite an engineer as well. With more hurdles to overcome his selflessness shines always for the other kids in the hospital with him.  He and fellow patience are in need of blood, if your Type A or Type O, you can go donate blood for DJ at any Kaiser Blood Bank, just specify for DJ and if your not, but still want to give, your gift will help others.

The love that has showered him on his road to recovery is just an indication of how he has touched us all, and the man he is, confirming the strength, dignity and respect Divonte permeates even through this adversity. His gratitude for every tweet, text, visit, prayer, blood drive is overwhelming and just as he is overcome by the love anyone who has met him feels the same.

“He seemed to be in good spirits and really excited to meet us that day.  We were just as excited!!!

  Nick Novak, The Chargers placekicker expressed about a visit with Melvin Ingram and added,

"Athletes have many things in common, one quality for me stands out...Ingram is resilient, he's a fighter and as tough as they come.  It makes no sense that Ingram or any kids for that matter would have to deal with this kind of adversity at such a young age. I have no doubt God will be at his side throughout this process every step of the way.   My thoughts and prayers are with the Ingram’s and the El Camino high school family.”

Continued prayers and PMA DJ, we’re all rooting for you!!

Desiree Astorga