As I am getting used to "blogging", I've decided not to use names. Those of you close to me will know, but this is a creative outlet for me....it is not meant to incriminate others. That being said...let's talk about Brother. Brother and I became playmates when Pop and Gran began dating. We became brothers after a Young Bankers convention in Gulf Shores. We were typical young, mischevious boys. Then it happened..... we began playing organized sports. Due to our age gap, Brother and I were on the same team every other year. Pop always found the time to coach us.
Even at 5 and 6 years old Brother excelled. He was on every all star team, always an MVP, an all tournament team member. He knew formations and extensive playcalling at a very early age, always willing to share these ideas with the coach!! LOL. Crazy thing was...he was usually right. He wasn't the biggest or the fastest, but he was amazing. Refusing to hear he was too small, he would bang with the big boys everytime. He was always in the mix. I remember at Appalachain in high school, he played in a game that was like 20 degrees. Hell, it felt like negative 20 in the bleachers. He hit this kid so damn hard, I'll bet he still has trouble remembering his name.
Graduating high school as one of the best players to ever walk the halls, he was a mean 5 feet 10 inches tall, and a stout 170 lbs. (as best i can remember) Not exactly DIV I reciever/ cornerback attributes. Try telling him that. He went to The Plains and walked on....and made it!!! He went a couple years there and a couple years with The Trojans, then an injury cut it a little short. Game over for most...not for Brother. He stayed on as a graduate assistant, then after college went on to coach.
After a few years as a college assistant, Brother ended up in Mobile coaching high school ball. He led the boys to a state championship in 3 years, coaching talent such as Machett, Hood, and McCarren. Then he recieved the call to return to Jonesboro. Its been a few years, but they won their conference last year and headed back to Moblie for a bowl game.Not too bad for the small kid who was alittle too short and a little too slow. Brother recently took a position at Ole Miss....thats right....AMAZING!! There is not a doubt in my mind that I'll see him on ESPN one day...throwing his visor, getting in some kid's grill, demanding the best the player has to offer.
Don't be mislead by this blog...I am not a sports reporter or statistician. I am a younger brother in awe of his older counterpart. Brother is one of the heroes in my life. He does his thing, doens't accept failure, and maintains a level unmatched integrity. Married to a beautiful woman I am lucky enough to call sister. Father to "The Boys", my delightful nephews. He may never know the impact he has on my life, nor how much I wish my life would immulate his. I love you my Brother....my hero....
