What's Your "Y"

Johnny Buchanan, University of Delaware Linebacker

Give us a brief background of how your fitness/sport journey has evolved?

My football journey started as soon as I was born. I was born into a football family and I have always loved the game. When I got to high school, I found my second love, the weight room. I worked hard for countless hours in the weight room in order to build myself up and help me perform on the field. My hard work allowed me to achieve a childhood dream of mine, playing division 1 college football. I accepted a full ride to The University of Delaware where I am currently the starting middle linebacker.

I have been using YOLKED since I got to Delaware to help my body absorb more protein to recover faster and build more muscle mass.

Who has been your main source of motivation over the years?

My main source of motivation is to be able to take care of my family and make them proud. They have always believed in me and have made so many sacrifices that helped put me in the position that I am in today. Whenever workouts get really tough, I think about being able to make it for my family. 

Where do you find more motivation: doubters or supporters?

I find more motivation in my doubters. I am very grateful for all of my supporters, but there is something about being doubted that really motivates me. I have been doubted throughout my entire career so it is nothing new, but I will always have a chip on my shoulder that makes me work that much harder. 

What is the biggest mental challenge you've had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?

My biggest mental challenge was this past year when our season got cancelled due to COVID. There was a decent amount of time where gyms were closed, and no one knew the next time we would play again. I found many different ways to train and keep myself and shape, but it was frustrating not knowing when my next game would be. I stayed positive and kept working. Eventually we played a season in the spring where I helped my team secure a conference championship. 

What do you do to make sure you're physically and mentally prepared for competition? 

I try to push my body to the limit when I train so when it comes time to play a game, the game is actually easier than my training. I follow an intense workout regimen and make sure I fuel my body with healthy foods, and the best supplements year around to allow my body to perform at an optimal level. 

Describe your recovery strategies.  

Recovery has always been the most difficult part of training for me throughout high school. When I got to college, I was introduced to YOLKED and it truly has been a key part of my recovery. After every workout I add a YOLKED packed to my protein shake and then eat a nutritious meal. On days that I train twice I know that I need to eat more protein, so I will double up on YOLKED to help my body utilize all of that protein. 

You can tell recovery strategies are working by the way your body feels. What used to take me three days to recover from now probably only takes me a day or two.

What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?

As I mentioned before, my family is what keeps me going. That and the strong desire to achieve my goals and prove all of the doubters wrong. 

Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years? 

In 5 years, I still see myself making plays on the football field. It has always been a dream of mine to play pro football and it is one that I will chase with a relentless passion. 

Favorite motivational quote:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”