This is something that I'd like to bring before a board of football fans just to gage myself on a true life issue. (I'm sure everyone's response won't be favorable, but I'm just interested in knowing)
In 1999 I was introduced to an athlete. He was at that time 14 years old, about 5'11 and 170lbs at the most. He came from a military family and had just relocated to my high school. He was a quiet kid but was boasted to our team as a kid who "loved the game" of football. He was a freshman. By the end of that season (we went 12-1 losing to the eventual state champions) he had become our most exciting varsity defensive player. He had his nose (and what ever else he could get in) on EVERY tackle it seemed like. He was ALL over the field to the point that referees would comment to opposing coaches; "(#)9's killing ya" I recall a stripe telling a head coach. Nonetheless I, like many others was amazed. As time went on he continued to grow and develop in the game as well as physically to the tune of 6'1"200lbs by his Junior season. By now he was the most feared LB/SS in our region. He had become more outgoing, more personable and mainly the center of attention at the high school. I returned to my Alma Mater as an offensive coordinator at that time and was able to witness one of the greatest senior season on defense that this state has ever seen. Nine, as we'll call him, was at his most dominant level. He was throwing runningbacks left and right. Shedding pulling gurads like someone's neighbor's little brother. He was a man amongst boys, and a leader in more ways than 1. However a dark cloud was shadowing him that not many were aware of. And basically to make a long story short he became popular with the wrong crew. Now I'm not here to sugar coat anything so I'll cut to the chase. Not long after that senior season, during the time when the football office was ringing off the hook with colleges looking for him, he was arrested. Apparently, he and a few others, were caught up in some robbery/breaking and entering cases. His role landed him 6 years in jail. (on the verge of many scholarships) Well he was recently released and to my surprise he told me that he was taking classes while incarcerated and is only 9 credits away from his Associates Degree. He has relocated to a better area and is fully committed to a new life style. Out of the blue today he called me and said "Coach, is there anyway I could go to any school to play football? Would anyone give me a second chance?" It was at this moment that I began to think. I know that people make mistakes, but if I was a college coach what would I do in this scenario? I know a lot of JUCO's that this kid would dominate if he's anythng like he used to be, but is it too late and thus the consequences of his actions kick in? Anyone who takes the time to read this....what would you think?? Please be brutally honest, I love opinion.:yes:
Have a great day Cyclone Nation!:notworthy:
In 1999 I was introduced to an athlete. He was at that time 14 years old, about 5'11 and 170lbs at the most. He came from a military family and had just relocated to my high school. He was a quiet kid but was boasted to our team as a kid who "loved the game" of football. He was a freshman. By the end of that season (we went 12-1 losing to the eventual state champions) he had become our most exciting varsity defensive player. He had his nose (and what ever else he could get in) on EVERY tackle it seemed like. He was ALL over the field to the point that referees would comment to opposing coaches; "(#)9's killing ya" I recall a stripe telling a head coach. Nonetheless I, like many others was amazed. As time went on he continued to grow and develop in the game as well as physically to the tune of 6'1"200lbs by his Junior season. By now he was the most feared LB/SS in our region. He had become more outgoing, more personable and mainly the center of attention at the high school. I returned to my Alma Mater as an offensive coordinator at that time and was able to witness one of the greatest senior season on defense that this state has ever seen. Nine, as we'll call him, was at his most dominant level. He was throwing runningbacks left and right. Shedding pulling gurads like someone's neighbor's little brother. He was a man amongst boys, and a leader in more ways than 1. However a dark cloud was shadowing him that not many were aware of. And basically to make a long story short he became popular with the wrong crew. Now I'm not here to sugar coat anything so I'll cut to the chase. Not long after that senior season, during the time when the football office was ringing off the hook with colleges looking for him, he was arrested. Apparently, he and a few others, were caught up in some robbery/breaking and entering cases. His role landed him 6 years in jail. (on the verge of many scholarships) Well he was recently released and to my surprise he told me that he was taking classes while incarcerated and is only 9 credits away from his Associates Degree. He has relocated to a better area and is fully committed to a new life style. Out of the blue today he called me and said "Coach, is there anyway I could go to any school to play football? Would anyone give me a second chance?" It was at this moment that I began to think. I know that people make mistakes, but if I was a college coach what would I do in this scenario? I know a lot of JUCO's that this kid would dominate if he's anythng like he used to be, but is it too late and thus the consequences of his actions kick in? Anyone who takes the time to read this....what would you think?? Please be brutally honest, I love opinion.:yes:
Have a great day Cyclone Nation!:notworthy:
