Senior Year Box Set

“Let’s address the elephant in the room. I know that you have more trips planned to outstanding football programs, some that have played in National Championship games in the last few years. I also know that you agreed to have us as a test run of sorts. We’re fine with that if it gives us the opportunity to talk to all of you. You ask ‘why not us?’ on your social media. Let me turn it around on you. Why not the University of Kentucky?

“We legitimately want all three of you to play for us. We were excited to see how well Tim moves after his knee surgery. You can tell he’s matured, gotten stronger, and plays the kind of defense we need in the SEC. I can see him playing Saturdays as our starting middle linebacker once he figures it all out.

“I’ve talked to our coaches, and Wolf could either play tight end or be a big receiver for us. Something I’m sure of is that if you have bigger, faster athletes than your competition, you’re more likely to win. Coach Braun gave me my marching orders to find him bigger receivers. He feels that it will provide us with an advantage that defenses don’t really have an answer to. I honestly think that with the right opportunity, Wolf could be playing on Sunday, someday.

“Finally, what can you say about David, the number-one recruit in the land? With the help of Tim, Wolf, and his teammates at the University of Kentucky, he has the opportunity to be something special. Wherever he goes, expectations will be high. At some programs, he could get lost in the shuffle with other great quarterbacks. The day he steps onto our campus, he will be the man.

“I’m sure you’re all aware of what an exceptional talent you have among you. I watched the game film of your last game, and I can only name a handful of players who could have pulled that game out. Coach Erickson about had kittens when he saw David cause the fumble that saved the game. I watched as the rest of the team gave up chasing the running back. David just showed why everyone is talking about him.

“There might be a player who throws a better ball or runs faster. I’ve yet to see anyone who’s a better gamer, period. There’s no one I would rather see under center with the game on the line.

“To wrap up, why not us? That’s not exactly right. We know why you should pick the University of Kentucky. You should choose to join us because we want the three of you to join our football family. With you three on our team, I’m not worried about wins and losses. That will take care of itself. If you come to Kentucky, it’s so much more than playing football. You will be part of a family that will be there for you for the rest of your lives.

“It’s time you get serious about the next step, and I think if you look at it, the solution is obvious. The University of Kentucky is where you belong,” Don said to end his speech.

Tim and Wolf looked over at me, and both were smiling. I turned to Coach Styles.

“You made a good choice in letting Don give the talk if the looks Tim and Wolf are shooting at me mean anything,” I said.

“May I make a suggestion?” Coach Mason asked.

“Of course. I invited you because I want your input,” I said.

“It’s obvious that you have a real connection with Kentucky. I understand that they were the first ones to offer you and that it’s a great university. If it weren’t, they wouldn’t attract the basketball talent they do. You owe it to yourself and your teammates to fully explore your options. This is too big a decision to make in the heat of the moment,” Coach Mason advised.

“Are you saying that Kentucky isn’t a good landing place for me?” I asked.

“Not in the least. I recommend you take your visits as you have planned. Since you’re not making your decision until spring, you can consider making a trip to Kentucky after the football season.”

I looked at Coach Styles to get his input.

“I think you should pull the trigger tonight, but I’m biased. If you were my son, I’d give you the same advice Coach Mason just gave you. If you decide you like another program, that’s fine. I honestly want what’s best for you, Wolf, and Tim. I know you’d be happy at Kentucky, but you need to decide what’s right for you,” Coach Styles said, taking the stress off me.

“Thanks, Coach. On another subject, I need all your advice on something else. I was wondering if you could come back to the house after this, and we could talk,” I said. I pointed to Coaches Hope, Mason, and Styles, and also nodded to Duane Morris, my attorney.

“May I ask in general what it’s about?” Coach Styles asked.

Thank goodness I remembered I was wired.

“I’ll tell you when I’m not wired for sound,” I said, pointing to the microphone attached to my Kentucky t-shirt.

◊◊◊

Dad and I grabbed Brook and huddled with Tim, Wolf, and their parents. I let them talk first, and they both felt the love from Kentucky. I told them about the compromise we’d come up with.

“That makes perfect sense. I don’t want you to rush this,” Wendy, Tim’s mom, said.