Junior Year Box Set

Todd was quiet for a minute. It was one thing to get hurt during a game; that was the risk we took every time we suited up. It was something completely different to know that someone was out to cause injury, and it ended up being your own teammate. Todd had been unlucky, but it pissed me off that his teammate had tried to hurt me.

“I hope you’re wrong, but that might explain why I wasn’t allowed to see the game film,” he said and then changed the subject. “Did you get a chance to talk to Alabama?”

“Only for a moment. Why, do you need me to make a call?” I asked.

“Maybe. My dad talked to their linebacker coach to update him on what the doctor had to say and that I’d be fine by fall practice. He wouldn’t confirm their offer. He didn’t take it away, but I’m worried. Competition for a spot on their team is fierce. They have several linebackers who’d jump at an offer if they wanted them. I’m afraid they may pass on me.”

“I’ll call my guy and see what I can do. If I end up at Alabama, I’d want you on my team. I’d rather not have to face you as an opponent,” I said.

“From the way you took us apart in the second half, I feel the same way. Why don’t you just accept their offer now and get it all over with?”

“Recruiting for them already, are you?”

“I’m not going there to lose.”

Todd was right. Alabama had the tradition, put players into the NFL, and would be in the hunt for National Championships. I agreed to help him and to stay in touch.

I then called Bo Harrington.

“Hey, I just got off the phone with Todd Davis. He said he’s worried you might not stick with your offer. Any truth to that?” I asked.

“Well, hello to you too, David,” Bo said and chuckled. “We did get some good news. I assume you saw my text that Jim Ball accepted our offer.”

“Jim’ll be great for you. As will Todd.”

“I’m not the lead recruiter for Todd Davis, so I don’t know what’s going on with that. Do you know how bad his knee is?” Bo asked.

“The doctors tell him he has a tear in his lateral meniscus and they plan to clean it up with surgery.”

“That’s much better than a repair. Todd should be fine,” Bo said.

Bo would know because he’d been around football long enough to see similar injuries.

“Look, Bo, I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t believe Todd deserved a spot. I can attest that he hits like a ton of bricks.”

“Can I tell them that your recruitment might be coupled with his?” Bo asked.

I’d done this before when Luke lost his scholarship with State. I was a man of my word, and if I committed, I would go there.

“Bo, I take my commitment seriously. I have to be honest and say I’m not ready to pick where I go to school. But I can say that knowing that both Jim and Todd were on the team would be a huge plus in Alabama’s favor.”

“Alright. Let me look into it. We offered Todd for a reason, and I’ll see if something’s changed. I watched the game; he was the best player on King, and I see why he’s a five-star recruit. Now, when can we schedule a visit? You need to experience what it means to be an Alabama football player.”

“Pick out which game you want me to come see, and I’ll be there. Just remember that I have State Playoff games in November.”

“I’ll let you know what I find out. Go win State, so I have more to brag about.”

◊◊◊

Uncle John and Aunt Bonnie showed up midafternoon. I called Jan and invited her over. I was amused when she came over in record time. She wasn’t exactly happy when I told her she needed to talk to my uncle, but did it because I told her to.

While they did that, I watched the Vikings play a thriller with the Rams, which the Vikings won in overtime. After the game, Uncle John came out to talk to me.

“It’s like I expected. Jan’s father was the one who guided her until he left her and her mom a few years ago. He accepted a job in the Middle East and decided to stay. From what I understand, he was a strong figure in her life, and Jan was very much a daddy’s girl. I think she needs someone to fulfill that role for her. I told her it couldn’t be you,” he said.

“Thanks. I believe Yuri would be the best choice and had them introduce themselves to each other last night. I’ve been trying to change his thinking about girls, but he might be what she needs.”

“Have you talked to him?” Uncle John asked.

“No, not in detail, I haven’t. I gave Yuri the broad brushstrokes because I wouldn’t know what more to tell him.”

“Good. Invite him over. I need to talk to him before we go any further.”

Soon Yuri was over, and I sent him in to talk to my uncle. I was glad that I wasn’t in the middle of all this.

Mom made me make dinner while my uncle was behind closed doors with Jan and Yuri. I was surprised they were both still in there after an hour. I’d marinated steaks with some olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a little rosemary, and I had Dad put them on the grill. Then I made faux potato salad with cauliflower; sautéed mushrooms and onions for the steaks; and blue cheese slaw. Mom had used the bread machine to make whole-wheat bread that would be ready by the time we sat down to eat.