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Game of the Week Report

Everette Pearsall,

Executive Director of the NAAAA

September 3, 2007

Florida State (Myron Rolle) vs Clemson (Marcus Gilchrist)

The first game of the week is Florida State featuring Myron Rolle against Marcus Gilchrist at Clemson. It was night game on Labor Day and had all of the TV and ACC hype that one game can get. Certainly, a great way to end the last holiday of the summer.

Hello Dr. Rolle!! I am certain that most of the country knows Myron now. He was featured for about 3 minutes on national television during the game for his off-the-field activities. The off season was very exciting for him. Myron went overseas to visit countries in Europe and Africa and studied their approach to healing and holistic medicine. Myron is continuing to hold a 4.0 as a Pre Med student at Florida State. The future doctor is also on pace to graduate in 3 years. Starting his second year as strong safety at Florida State he is improving on the football field as well. Last year he was the second leading tackler on the team and this year the goal is to be number one. Knowing Myron I am certain that he will accomplish nothing less. Myron also comes into the season as the preseason selection for every ACC defensive honor. Since I attended the game, there wasn’t an opportunity for me to see the special on TV. When they showed Myron’s picture, the caption underneath read: “2006 Watkins Award Winner.” The Watkins Family is so proud.

Clemson featured a Watkins newcomer and a regional semi-finalist for the award this year Marcus Gilchrist. As a true freshman Marcus saw a large amount of playing time on special teams. I spoke to Marcus after the game and he said class was going well and he was adjusting well. We are looking forward to big things from Marcus in the future.

This is an exciting start to the 2007 football season. There will be Watkins Award family members playing every weekend. I certainly wish I could attend every game. Get ready for my weekly updates every week.

September 8, 2007

Oregon (Andrew Davis) vs Michigan (Douglas Dutch)

There were two games the opening week since the opening game of the week was a Monday. This second game was Oregon featuring Andrew Davis against Michigan and Douglas Dutch. This game came with a great deal of hype because it followed up the biggest upset in college football history with Appalachian State beating Michigan the week before. I attended with a great deal of anticipation of how Michigan would respond.

Andrew Davis is from this year’s 2007 class of the Watkins Award. He graduated from high school early last year to start early at Oregon. Not yet a starter he is in the rotation of receivers. Drew has made a great transition to college football and the college classroom. In his first semester he had all A’s and just one B. Great start to an academic career as well. After an abysmal senior year experience in his high school on the football field he has been refreshed to have an opportunity to get out there and perform. The sky is the limit for Drew.

As the game was a lopsided victory for Oregon, the experience for Douglas Dutch at Michigan has also been the same. I look at the beginning of great career for Drew and the fourth year of a forgetful experience for Douglas Dutch at Michigan. The team has moved him to defense where he is now playing cornerback. Just as he received unfair treatment at receiver it has started again. The defensive backs at Michigan have made every offense even Appalachian State (a division I AA team) look like the all pro NFL quarterbacks and receivers. All of this while Douglas has shown in practice that he is faster and can cover better than any of the players selected to represent Michigan on the field. I certainly carry a bias because Douglas is part of the family, but I can assure you that he could not perform worse than the guys on the field. Doug deserves a chance in his fourth year to prove his capabilities. On a better note he graduates with his bachelor’s degree in May. After spending time with Douglas and his family following the game there is still an incredible resolve. Douglas will not be broken because he is self assured in his abilities and more than that he isn’t defined by a sport.

For the reasons above, many of you had a sighting of me on national TV celebrating with the Oregon Ducks. I have always maintained a neutral position on all games as most of them have a Watkins Alumni on each team, but I assure you Michigan will continue to decline until there is equitable treatment of players. This was another experience in the Big House at Michigan. We take joy in what this weekend represented in these two men. Watkins men attend college to get an education and play football in the process. While their college careers are exciting, Graduation Is Paramount!

NFL-September 9

Ted Ginn Jr (Miami Dolphins) vs Lorenzo Alexander (Washington Redskins)

NFL September 16

Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs Julian Jenkins (Tampa Bay Bucs)

September 22, 2007

Georgia (Mohammed Massaquoi, Trinton Sturdivant, Charles White) vs Alabama (Terry Grant)

The third Watkins Game of the Week was Georgia featuring Mohammed Massaquoi, Trinton Sturdivant and Charles White against Alabama featuring Terry Grant. This game was played Saturday which means the competition was considered to be one of the best in the nation this weekend.

Georgia has two Watkins men currently playing the oldest is Mohammed Massaquoi, Watkins Class of 2005. His mother was in attendance and extended her blessings to everyone. Mohammed has been in the starting rotation since he was a true freshman at Georgia. His talents were featured in the first drive where his diving catch kept the drive alive on third down and this concluded with touchdown on the opening drive. Mohammed is maintaining a GPA of 3.4 in junior year which is extremely difficult to maintain in a football program like Georgia. We are looking for a breakout year for Mohammed on the field with a quarterback more seasoned than last year. I didn’t appreciate his celebrity until after the game as all of the autograph seekers followed him everywhere to sign their books, pictures, footballs and shirts. His infectious smile and presence has become a trademark for “Big Mo”. Also at Georgia is a relative newcomer to the Watkins family, Trinton Sturdivant Watkins Class of 2007. Trinton is not the first of the Watkins Men to start as a true freshman, but he is the first to be named the starter in spring practice when all of his peers were still finishing their high school year. He has taken the University of Georgia by storm and before he is done he will be a household name nationwide. Watching him play reminded me of a combination of Cody Douglas and Justin Blalock both Watkins Men. He size and force are incredible for his age. Trinton has been trusted to play the most valuable position on the offensive line as a true freshman; another incredible accomplishment. I didn’t see a single person get past him during passing plays. If there was a critical short yardage situation, the running play went right up his back. It appears that Alabama almost conceded his dominance by dedicating their rush to the other side of the offensive line. Mastering his craft on the football field he has also started his academic endeavors strong holding a 3.3 GPA. Remember that I informed you first that he will be a household name before his career at Georgia is over.

Alabama featured running back Terry Grant, Watkins Class of 2006. If you didn’t know who he was before this year, it seems that everyone does now. As a red shirt freshman he has embraced the spotlight of college football. Terry has amassed over 530 yards in 4 games during some tough competitions. The highlight was the second game where he carried the ball 27 times for 173 yards. Terry had shoulder surgery last year and did not play, but has flourished with this new coach, new system and new opportunity. With his surrogate mother Peggy Jasperson and Mentor Dr. Scott looking after him, he has stayed focused. We are not surprised at what he has done in a short period of time as a freshman, because his high school footage would rival that of Reggie Bush (At least last year’s Reggie Bush J). A Star has been born(in everyone else’s eyes). I am certain that he will handle the future of attention that comes with this success because of his demure demeanor. He maintains a 3.4 GPA in criminal justice at Alabama. I can’t imagine how high his talents on and off the field will take him at Alabama.

These four gentlemen are just as humble as they are talented on the football field. Three of the four participated in a great football competition which ended in an overtime victory for Georgia. I was captivated by this game because on every play there was a Watkins Alumni at work. These three young men represent the Watkins Class of 1995, 1996, and 1997 all in one football game. Mohammed, Terry and Trinton represented their fellow brothers well and I am proud of them!

Charles White a Watkins Class of 2007 is a member of the University of Georgia football team. He has decided to exercise his red shirt option as a freshman. Since it was an away game for Georgia I did not get the opportunity to see Charles, but I did speak to him on the phone. Classes are going well as he assured me that his first semester would be over 3 point GPA. He expects to be on the field next year as a player and all is well. Charles is a special young man and there will be more to write about as time passes

September 29,2007

Penn State vs Illinois (Arrelius Ben)

The Watkins Game of the Week 4 featured Arrellious Benn (AKA Rejus) at the University of Illinois versus Penn State. This contest was just as stated, Arrellious Benn carrying the weight of his team against Penn State. Arrellious is a newcomer to the Watkins Family from the class of 2007. He is the result of growth as our organization has started 5 chapters nationwide. Each chapter has the ability to send someone to represent their Chapter as a Watkins candidate. Darnell Dinkins' Pittsburgh chapter sponsored Arrellious.

Arrellious was hailed as the number one receiver in the country on some lists and committed early to the University of Illinois. This came as a major surprise to many as Illinois is not known for their commitment to the football program. Never has has anyone of his caliber committed to play there. I have learned that it takes a special person to want to carry the weight of a football program. I saw it in Vince Oghabaase at Duke and now Arrellious for the University of Illinois. They are expecting Rejus to make Illinois a perennial power in football.

This game was their first real test as everyone is aware of the success of the Penn State football program and its status as one of the most elite programs in the country for decades. Illinois has not beaten Penn State in over 30 years. Rejus saw this as an opportunity to show what he could do to make a statement about the direction of the Illinois football team. He started the game with a 90 yard kick off return and also added a tremendous run and catch to increase their lead. Both plays were an example of his will as he brushed off many attempts to be tackled. Color commentators on TV stated that "his strength and will were just too much deal with and its incredible to see this from a true freshman". I didn't say it those were someone else's words. Needless to say this was a coming out party for Rejus nationwide and it was the first of many upsets you can expect to see in the future from his efforts. In fact before he graduates I expect Illinois to have the capability to beat any team without the stigma of labeling it an upset. This is Rejus' team!

There are some great parallels to Rejus' attitude toward changing that program to his attitude to changing the community. He has displayed this positive will in his overall attitude toward everything. His team looks for him for leadership already and Rejus is leading them. He embraces the issues and figures out a way to make the change himself. As a true freshman he is making the smooth transition to college academics and we expect him to master that as well.

NFL-September 30

Oakland Raiders (Ronald Curry, Grant Irons) vs Miami Dolphins (Ted Ginn Jr.)

October 6,2007

Stanford (Mark Bradford, Allen Smith, Jason Evans, Ekom Udofia, Emeka Nnoli) vs USC (Everson Griffin)

Watkins Game of the Week 5 was Stanford against USC at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. Stanford hails FIVE Watkins men, only two of which participated in the game. As many of you know USC was a 40 point favorite to win this game and admittedly I hoped Stanford would keep the game competitive. I was in for a pleasant surprise. This was one of he biggest upsets games I have ever attended. Watkins Men still at Stanford are Jason Evans, Emeka Nnoli, Allen Smith, Mark Bradford, And Ekom Udofia.

Stanford has been a major attraction for Watkins men in the past, because of the educational prowess that comes with a Stanford Degree. Thus far, every member of the Watkins Family that has selected Stanford has graduated with higher than a 3.0 GPA. And everyone still attending Stanford is on track to do the same. Emeka Nnoli and Jason Evans are our most senior alumni that are still on the football team. Emeka a few months ago was a definite pick for the NFL Draft as one of the top full backs in the country. Because of a rare disease in his hip his football career is now over. We have spoken several times since the diagnosis and right before surgery and his spirits are high. Of course there is disappointment, but he said "God must have a different plan for me. I am excited to graduate and embark upon a new path and reach other goals". He is still seen as a leader on the team. Jason of the same Watkins Class is finishing a 5 year stint with Stanford as well. He has be relegated to special teams duties, because of the various surgeries and knee problems in the past. His contributions as a leader have been enormous. Both Men will be graduating this year!!

Allen Smith has been a pillar of strength at Stanford starting since he was a true freshman. This is now his third season and he worked hard to achieve honors at the offensive tackle position. Allen started off the season well, but experienced a season ending injury to his knee in the game against Oregon. I have spoken to him and classes are going well. We also spoke after surgery and doctors have expressed the expectation of a full recovery. Ekom Udofia was also injured a couple of weeks ago with a high ankle sprain against Oregon and didn't play in this contest. Ekom is on the watch list for every Pac-10 award for defensive lineman. He had a great freshman season and is doing well to establish himself as one of the top defensive linemen in the nation.

Mark Bradford a semi finalist recognized by the Los Angeles Chapter decided to take the weight of his team and his injured Watkins brothers on his shoulders. This was clearly the best game of his career and it could not have come at a better time. Playing in his home town of Los Angeles, in front of his family, and against some of his past teammates or rivals, he made a statement to the nation that as indeed one of the top receivers in the nation. His last minute touchdown catch to win the game for Stanford has been played at least a hundred times on ESPN. This was just one of many spectacular catches throughout the game. I am sure he will leave Stanford as a folk hero for his efforts in this game.

Its obvious from this update that every football player is just one play away from a season or career ending injury. Again this is why none of the Watkins Men are not defined by football. When speaking to each of the injured players, they weren't rattled by the injuries. Of course they wanted to go to battle with their team, but there resolve was evident. It was extremely obvious that education and the community was their higher calling. Sports was only a small part of their over all goals. When I spoke to Emeka and Allen, I called with a heavy heart and they made me feel foolish for having any sorrow. They were as upbeat as any other time we have spoken. So whether it was thru leadership or contributions on the field each of these men were a part of one of the biggest upsets in the history of football. Following the path of their past Watkins brothers, Jason, Emeka, and Mark will surely make us proud as they will graduate this year. All 5 of these men will make history on and off the field for years to come!

October 14,2007

University of Northern Colorado ( Aaron Henderson) vs Weber State

Game 6 featured Aaron Henderson a member of the Watkins Class of 2003. He attends the University of Northern Colorado. Aaron has been the starting cornerback since he arrived there as a freshman. Because of a wrist injury, this is his 5th year there and he has already graduated with his Bachelor's Degree. My trip to Colorado was canceled for his game because he sustained a season ending injury to his knee a few weeks pryor. Aaron has petitioned to the NCAA to play again next year, but we are uncertain if it will be granted. Undaunted by the uncertainty of his football career he has plans to attain a master's degree. I remember his parents telling me emphatically that he wouldn't leave college without a degree 5 years ago and their wishes have been granted. The Watkins family is as proud of him as his parents must be. I am certain that if the NCAA gives him another year to play football, it will be used to get him closer to completing his masters degree at the university's expense.

Congratulations to Aaron on his hard work in the classroom the past 4 years. This dedication to education has positioned him continue striving toward his goals despite any injury to his body! Another Watkins Man destined for success.

October 20,2007

Auburn (Benjamin Tate) vs LSU (Joseph Brennen Barksdale)

The Watkins Game of the Week 7 featured Bennie Tate (Watkins 2006) at Auburn versus Joseph Brennen Barksdale (Watkins 2007) at Louisiana State University. This game was again the feature game of the week for the world of college football and scheduled for Saturday night at 9:00 PM. Having another game featuring two Watkins men highlighted on national television, was extremely exciting.

Benjamin Tate "AKA" Bennie isn't a naturally known name from the Watkins Family. In 2006 one of our finalists missed his flight and wasn't able to make it to the Banquet in Los Angeles. Bennie was the next in line so he is now part of the class of 2006. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I later discovered that his GPA was understated on his application and was a 3.8 which may have made the difference on his taking a finalists position during the process. He did however get a dinner in his home town and a ring. Auburn has become known for producing running backs for the NFL. Bennie is following a very strong legacy at Auburn. He received substantial playing time last year behind two upper classmen and this year he has assumed the starting role. His statistics have him listed as one of the top backs in the SEC, which is tremendous as a true sophomore. We are happy to have him as part of the family as he has been singled out by his coaching staff as one of the most intelligent players they have coached. He knows the entire playbook and is often asked to assist other players as a sophomore. For a moment there I thought he was a younger player. :-) We are proud to have him as part of the Watkins Family as he also maintains above a 3.0 GPA in his college studies. Mastering the playbook and the running back position at Auburn is just the beginning of something great for Bennie. The future is so very bright!

Joseph Brennen Barksdale is a member of the LSU Tigers and represents the most recent class of 2007. I am going to refer to Mr Barksdale as the man of many changes. Let me start with a few.... Joseph decided to make a change and leave his birthplace of Detroit Michigan and attend school in Louisiana. Joseph decided to graduate early from high school and attend LSU early looking for a change. Joseph has been referred to by his middle name until recently and now want to be called Joseph for a change. Joseph moved from his dormitory to an apartment off campus for a change. Joseph went to LSU to play defensive tackle and decided to change to offensive tackle where he should start next year. During the game he has two numbers 78 and 88 for him to change into if he is playing offense or defense. I think you are starting to get the picture. It was exciting to see him again under the bright lights of Baton Rouge. After the game many of the parents and alumni made a point to stop him and thank him for coming all the way from Detroit to Louisiana. I also noticed several other parents walk up with their kids and ask him a baited question about his engineering major. Obviously pointing out to their kids that he played football and also had an engineering major. Its obvious that his stature demands physical respect, but his reputation as a student and person is winning the land of LSU tigers over.

The Game was incredibly exciting where LSU pulled out the victory in with one second on the time clock. It was yet another barn burner this year. This is another contest where you hate to see a team on the losing end of the scoreboard. Walking away from this venue also left me with a great deal of promise for the future. Bennie is just a sophomore, leading his team in many ways as an athlete and a student. Its amazing to see an athlete gain that much respect in a short period of time. Leadership is something you can't teach. Joseph has become a young pillar for the LSU program. I am certain that the man of many changes will also use his efforts to effect a positive change in the lives of his teammates and America's youth. You can't help be feel pride in knowing these young men and having them as a part of the Watkins Family.

November 3,2007

Texas A&M (Bradley Stephens) vs Oklahoma (Gerald McCoy)

Game of the Week 8 featured Bradley Stephens at Texas A&M (Watkins Class of 2007) and Gerald McCoy at the Oklahoma (Watkins Class of 2006). This game may be featured for the next 3 years as these are the only two Watkins men we have in the Big 12. This was my first time at the historical Oklahoma Sooner stadium to attend a game.

Bradley Stephens is from our most recent class of 2007 Watkins men. Bradley appeared on campus as one of the most anticipated arrivals. Texas A&M looked forward to adding his talent to their stock of running backs. More important to the coaches was their desire to add a player of his character and leadership ability. That’s an intangible that coaches find irreplaceable. I was informed by many conversations with Craig (Bradley’s DAD) that there is a great deal of turmoil in the football program. The head coach has been on the hot seat all season. This appears to be his last season as the head coach. In fact, it would be a surprise if the coach makes it the rest of the season. With this change on the horizon, Bradley was encouraged to exercise his freshman redshirt this year and did not travel to this weekend’s game. Because this is his first semester there isn’t a GPA to report, however I have been informed by Bradley that classes are going well. I am certain that the new coaching staff will accept him with open arms. I look forward to his future at Texas A&M. His unflappable persona will serve him well as he continues to being the best student athlete he can be. Don’t be surprised when I talk about him as a top performer next year.

Oklahoma featured Gerald McCoy (AKA "GK" or "G Mac") from the Watkins Class of 2006. Gerald has become an integral part of the Oklahoma defense as a red shirt freshman. I spoke to him last year at the Oklahoma/Texas Game and it was eating him up inside that he wasn’t playing as a redshirt freshman. He assured me that he would be a starter this year and he has been true to his word. GK put on a show for me with 2 quarterback sacks, a forced fumble, and many tackles as a defensive tackle. Texas A&M was forced to double and triple team a freshman. WOW! Once several of the friends and fans of Oklahoma realized I represented the Watkins Award, they made it a point to make comments on how wonderful it is to have Gerald at the university. I also could not wait to spend some time with the family because their most recent calamity. Pat McCoy his mom passed away suddenly this summer when football camp started with a brain aneurysm. When his dad called me to inform me, I was broken hearted. Remember her emotions when we announced him as Watkins Man, I could feel her tears of joy thru the phone. I also reflected on the many conversations and moments we shared. Gerald as a 19 year old is handling this better than any adult and still performing at the top of game. Incredible! He is an inspiration to me as a pillar of strength. GK’s presence and spirit is so refreshing as he is so humble and respectful. Mr. McCoy (His Dad) treated me to the best barbeque I have ever tasted at a local restaurant as we laughed about some past moments we shared with Pat in the past. He wanted me to relay a message to the Watkins Family that “God is healing every day and only thru God’s grace is the family remaining strong and persevering thru this trying time. Thanks for your prayers and support.” I have to admit I arrived with a heavy heart but left with joy. Gerald is a gentle giant with many accomplishments in front of him. By the way I wasn’t going to let you escape without knowing that he currently carries a 3.2 GPA!

These two young men have similar spirits and have really come to count on their relationships with God to guide them. Although this was a one sided victory for Oklahoma, we look forward to seeing Gerald chase Bradley around the field in the future. The immediate future for Bradley has some uncertainty as he sits out his redshirt year and awaits a new coaching staff. I am certain the end result of this crossroad will the evidence of a top performer and a strong student; or should I say a true Watkins Man. Gerald is performing at a very high level on and off the field. He is so fun to be around and is continuing to be a great representative of the Watkins Family even through this trying time. A true leader and example of a young man in the road to success.

November 10, 2007

Georgia Tech (Darryl Richard) vs Duke (Vincent Oghabaase)

Game of the Week 9 featured Vincent Oghabaase at Duke University (Watkins Class of 2005) and Darryl Richard at the Georgia Tech (Watkins Class of 2004). Darryl and Vince are playing for two universities at different stages in their football program. Duke is attempting to gain respect and get on the winning path. Georgia Tech is trying to maintain respect and stay on a winning path. As interior defensive linemen, they anchor their defensive efforts and provide a foundation for a successful team effort.

These two young men have many similarities. Let me take a moment to name a few:

1) Stature at 6’4” and 6’6” in height and weighing on or above 300 pounds.

2) Both are extremely intelligent

3) Both are extremely mature

4) Both are the cornerstone for leadership for their teams

5) Both are very hard working individuals who worked hard to come back from knee surgery to perform at 100%

6) Both spoke at last year’s Watkins Award

7) Both are destined for Greatness

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm Sound like Watkins men to me??

As I mentioned in my first paragraph, Vincent has chosen to be part of a building effort at Duke. His presence has made it acceptable for great high school athletes to select Duke. The job of building a football program is grueling and takes a great deal of sacrifice. It takes a lot of confidence and intestinal fortitude for a player like Vincent to accept this task. Selecting this university was a testament of his will and leadership. The team is competing in most games which is an accomplishment from previous years before Vincent arrived on campus; where every team pretty much assured victory against Duke. He started his career on a negative note with a season ending knee injury. Now as a red shirt sophomore, he finally looks comfortable and 100% on the field again. He is demanding a double and triple team by opponents who need to neutralize him for success. Against Georgia Tech they could not keep him contained for the entire game where he made several tackles, rushed the quarterback and registered a masterful quarterback sack. That gyration after a great play has become his patented celebration, which opposing teams have come to hate. Vince selected Duke because of the education it offers and that is his primary focus. He left high school early to start his college studies, and hasn’t slowed down since. I have visited him on the campus every summer as he has selected to take summer courses every year. He says the curriculum is challenging he is still attaining above a 3.0 GPA which is something I always push for. A degree at Duke University is his goal and there is no doubt that he will accomplish that along with so many other things there. Just years into a building process there at Duke; it may take all 4 of his years to complete what he started. Vincent will continue to lead and finish what he started. He has already left a distinct mark, but his impact is only beginning.

Darryl Richard is completing his legacy in his fourth year at Georgia Tech. Because of a knee injury, he has another year of eligibility. In his four years, he has already accumulated a list of accomplishments. Darryl graduated from Georgia Tech in THREE years. The average student at Georgia Tech takes over 5 years to graduate without playing any sport. It is truly a herculean effort to accomplish something like that. When you think about that kind of accomplishment and work ethic, you would think he didn’t have any time to do anything else. Well Darryl maintains a very healthy extracurricular agenda as the president of the student athlete advisory committee and many other organizations. Believe it or not there is much more than just football and classes. Stay with me now! Darryl ended last season challenging the status quo by appealing to the school to fund his classes for a Master’s Degree. In other words, I am not sure any other Georgia Tech football player has ever graduated in 3 years with 2 years of eligibility left to play football. A special process had to take place for an approval for the university to extend his scholarship for 2 more years. This will enable him to begin and complete his Masters Program. Like Vince, Darryl has become a dominant player on his defensive line. He also demands a double and triple team to stop him from disrupting his opponents. Unlike many young men his age, he and I often engage in conversations about what it will take to grow the Watkins Award and change the lives of kids all over the country. Darryl has mastered the art of being balanced in everything. On the football field he has established himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the country; projected as a 3-5^th round draft pick. Socially he has blazed trails since high school as president of his class, president of many organizations in college, and leading his fellow players. Academically he has done things that Georgia Tech has never seen graduating in 3 years with a 3.6 GPA and doing just as well in his masters studies. Can you even phathom the future of this young man!

Often times I hear comments about what we are doing as an organization. I only get more inspired about what young men like these are going to do. Compared to what they are going to do, I have done nothing. Both of the above men have endured devastating injuries and persevered through it. As I have stated in the past, Vincent may have a statue of him erected before he leaves if he continues to improve and carry the program on his back. Not just as a player, but as an individual. Darryl has established legacy at Georgia Tech with yet another year ahead of him. I am proud of these young men as they continue to represent the Watkins Award extremely well!

November 18, 2007

Ohio State (Bryant Browning) vs Michigan (Douglas Dutch)

NFL-Nov 19

Cleveland Browns (Darnell Dinkins) vs Baltimore Ravens (Daniel Wilcox)

December 1, 2007

Cal vs Stanford

(Stanford - Mark Bradford, Allen Smith, Jason Evans, Ekom Udofia, Emeka Nnoli)

The Watkins Game of the Week 11 features five players at Stanford against Cal. Stanford’s five players are Emeka Nnoli(Class of 2003), Jason Evans(Class of 2003), Mark Bradford(Class of 2003), Allen Smith(Class of 2004), and Ekom Udofia(Class of 2005). I have spoken of the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, but northern California would beg to differ as this is referred to as the “Big Game” and is regarded as another of the nation’s big rivalries as well. Cal has dominated this competition for the past 5 years.

Stanford’s season has been identified by their victory over the then number one team in the country in USC. For three of the Watkins Men at Stanford, this was their final game as a student athlete at this university. Emeka’s career ended before the season started with a rare circulatory disease which attacked his hips. I had an opportunity to speak to his mother who said God has a much bigger plans for Emeka. He has fought thru so much to be regarded at the beginning of the season as one of the top full backs in the nation. Emeka was forced to redshirt his freshman year because of high blood pressure, he fought high cholesterol that ballooned to numbers higher than 400, and now both hips will need operations to avoid complete hip replacement. Emeka looks like he still has shoulder pads on as he jogged onto the field in a football jersey and a t-shirt. He has accepted God’s will and will follow his path on to success and victory off the football field. He didn’t tuck his head between his legs this year. Emeka attended every game and provided moral support for all that played with him. Jason started at Stanford with Emeka and his football career has experiences many highs and lows. He began as one of the top running backs in the nation, but his body just didn’t cooperate. Like Emeka, Jason has fought thru many surgeries and injuries. He has endured several knee surgeries, broken bones, and stitched up wounds over the past few years. Jason has never given up and he has shown up to play every game in some capacity. Because of injuries, his duties as the starting running back were forfeited. Again despite these setbacks his spirits were never broken. Mark Bradford is the final senior on the list of players in their last game at Stanford. Mark started his career as a basketball and football player. He has been the starting receiver at Stanford since his freshman year. Last year was ended abruptly with a season ending broken foot the second game of the season. Mark came back this year with a vengeance having his best college football season. His catch to beat USC in the final seconds of the game has been played on ESPN hundreds of times. It’s been called “The Catch”. Mark looks to be a draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Mark has overcome some enormous obstacles to graduate from high school, survive from day to day, help raise his siblings without the daily involvement of 2 parents, attend and graduate from Stanford, and finish a successful football career at Stanford. Two months ago he lost his dad unexpectedly and still remained focused enough to continue to perform on and off the football field. Allen Smith was poised to have his best season, but a knee injury ended his season a few games into the schedule. Allen is in the process of a successful recovery. He also had shoulder surgery while he out for the season with his knee injury. Allen has a very distinct presence as he carries himself with tremendous poise. When he speaks he demands attention with the voice of a news anchor. Ekom brings up the rear as a red shirt sophomore at Stanford. He played most of the year with a broken ankle. Ekom eventually decided to have surgery to repair the same ankle he had repaired in high school. He will have to wait another season before he surely gets acknowledged with every award a Pac 10 defensive lineman can receive. Last year he was a freshman All American and this year he was slated to continue this path of awards. With an older brother who looks like he will be drafted into the NFL this year and a sister in medical school as USC; he is following the path of academic excellence as well.

Stanford was an underdog in the game against Cal, but they prevailed. The Stanford Cardinals pulled another upset this season giving the once #2 ranked team in the nation, their 6^th loss this year. I remind you that Stanford is considered an Ivy League school on the west coast. Joining the ranks of 3 other Wakins men in JR, Chris, and Michael this year’s class will all be graduating. Mark and Jason graduate in December and Emeka will graduate in June. Ekom and Allen are definitely following in their paths. Each of these young men are carrying or graduating with a 3.3 to 3.5 GPA. This is an incredible feat to accomplish at this Ivy League school. The Alliance has boasted that the Watkins Award maintains a graduation rate higher than 95% and this year strengthens that statistic. The above injury list is an example of why Watkins men get their degrees and a great example of why these young men chose Stanford. While football careers are measured in seasons, your education will last a lifetime. Each of these young men left high school with professional football aspirations, but recognizes that their success isn’t measured on the football field. They will be professionals none-the-less. As Emeka’s mom clearly stated, “These young men are larger than football”. Their success can’t be measured by the length of any number of football fields. Simply put these young men are leaders and they are smart!!

** Games of the week are the games that are featuring Watkins Alumni. our Executive Director Everette Pearsall will be in attendance. The second team listed above is the home team should you plan to attend.