I don't remember a lot about my junior year in high school. At that time in any person's life, so much is going on that it would be difficult to totally recall a certain event; especially events that only last a few minutes.But I still remember, and will never forget, the first time I saw Keon Lattimore.
It was April of 2001. I was at the University of Maryland's Junior Combine; an organized football workout for local high school juniors to participate for college scouts. I went to the camp not knowing what to expect or how well I would fare against some of the state's best talent. I went through my drills with little difficulty and joined my teammates to watch the rest of the athletes. Shortly after getting to the sidelines, I witnessed an athlete, but he was no ordinary athlete. He ran faster than anyone. He jumped higher than anyone. He went through the agility drills with such ease, you would have thought that they were invented just for him. He played, and looked, the part of a man amongst boys.
I leaned over to my teammate in awe and whispered, "Who is that?"
"Who that?...That’s Keon Lattimore...Ray Lewis' little brother."
As soon as I heard those words, I drew an immediate resemblance. I instantly saw everything in Keon that I knew about his big brother. The athleticism, the passion, hell...the family resemblance. They look exactly alike!
Just remembering Ray Lewis dancing on the field at Raymond James Stadium three months earlier when the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV. Recalling Lewis' gyrations, his fire on the field, his swagger because he knew he was better than you. All that was handed down to little brother. Everyone there that day knew he was special, and to this day, he has proved all of us right.
Lattimore hails from Owings Mill, where he was second team all-state as a junior and first team all-state as a senior at Mount St. Joseph's High School He was also a standout basketball player and sprinter on the track team. Lattimore is now the starting running back for the University of Maryland. In his career, Lattimore has gained over 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns. Lattimore ranks in the top 20 in Maryland history in rushing yards.
Like any other little brother, I’m sure Keon wants to follow in big Ray’s footsteps. Who knows, there is a good chance he’ll join his brother in the National Football League next year.
2 comments:
I am so proud of you for this comment. When hearing this was your topic idea for class, I just knew it would be a good post/assignment. Your transitions were great and the way you worded it helps the reader picture as if they were there. The only thing I would have added was a picture of the athlete. It would help to see the resemblance.
Paul, great stuff. I actually played against Keon in high school in a passing camp. You are spot on about his athletic ability. It was like he was a men amongst little boys. He was 5 moves ahead of everyone else. I just hope him being at UMD doesn't diminish his stock for the pros, because he can flat out play, despite what his Terp teammates show on the field. I really enjoyed all of your other posts, too.
Post a Comment