CHAPTER 48

Once again, I headed in the direction of the locker room, only to be stopped twice more for interviews. After basically the same questions being asked over and over, I made my way into the tunnel and down to our lockers. I began to undress, I was one of the first players to return, I guessed most were still out on the field celebrating.

It was close to two in the morning by the time the bus dropped us off back in front of the hotel. There had to be four to five dozen fans still out in front of the hotel, all trying to get autographs or pictures taken. After signing about a dozen objects, I made my way into the lobby and up to my room. I turned on the TV, got undressed and laid across the bed. I had no sooner gotten comfortable, when my cell phone rang. I looked at the number, it was Ashley.

"Hello.", I answered.

"Brian, oh my god, I can't believe it, you won.", she shouted.

"Yes, we did. I am still in shock.", I answered.

"You played an incredible game, you were awesome. I am so proud of you. They had a big screen set up in the gym at school, half of the town was there. Everyone is so proud of you.", she stated.

"Thanks Ashley.", I responded.

"I saw the interview after the game, you're actually considering leaving school early and going pro ?", she asked.

"No not really, it just keeps coming up.", I replied.

"Oh, ok. So when you will be coming home next, everyone is dying to see you. I hope it's soon, "she urged.

"About two month's, during spring break, I have a few weeks off," I responded.

"Great, I will look forward to it.", she answered.

The next few weeks on campus were absolutely insane. The media basically camped out for the week after the game, asking for interviews from everyone associated with the game. Pro scouts were beginning to gather data on players for the upcoming draft which was scheduled for early April. We were measured for our National Championship rings which would be made and presented to us as soon as they were ready. The school gave us both of the jersey's they had made for us to wear in the game. You always have a backup, in case the one you're wearing is torn badly. Several of the sports clothing manufacturers presented us with clothing and shoes, all complimentary for winning the national title game. It seemed like there was no end to what we received for our accomplishments.

I was summoned to the coach's office the following week to discuss my situation regarding the draft. Most of the coaches were present, including several men, whom I did not recognize. Coach Ray offered me a seat and introduced the men I didn't know. They had either been pro scouts, or they currently worked for organizations that compiled information for pro teams.

"Brian, thank you for stopping by, I think you know why you're here.", Coach Ray stated.

"Yes sir, I do.", I answered.

"Good. Now what we need to decide is what is in your best interest as a student athlete, where do you go from here? That's why I have asked these men to join us, they have a vast knowledge of how the pro selection process is conducted, what your chances are, that type of thing. Before I turn this over to them, let me say, I absolutely want you to return and play for us next year. I think you're the best defensive player on this team and with another year like this one, you could be a first round draft choice next year.", he started.

"But that's what I want, that's what the school wants. We have to decide what's best for you.", he continued.

"So with that said, let me turn it over to the man who can put this all into perspective.", he said pointing to a small man in the back of the room.

The man stood up slowly, adjusted his clothing and walked toward me, extending his hand. I stood up, shook his hand, then sat back down.

"Brian, my name is Buddy Cullen, I am a consultant for several pro scouting services. I am here to possibly help you get a handle on what is the best direction for you at this time.", he stated.

For the next twenty minutes the man laid everything out on the table. He felt that worst case scenario, I would be an early to mid second round draft choice. He told me based on my last performance in the title game, he was banking on an early second round. He also explained that where you're taken can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of dollars. My head was swimming, never in a million years did I ever think I would play pro ball.

He went on to explain that this year there was a shortage of talented defensive ends in the country, the draft was loaded with talent, but not at my position. That's why he felt that this year, I could possibly go very high due to demand. He went on to tell me that next year, there were an abundance of prospects on defense, especially at my position.

With that said however, he still felt that next year, even with the competition, I would be a first round draft choice. The one tremendous upside I had to this point, I have never been seriously injured. In fact, since being named a starter, I had never missed a game. If I did return and play next year, a serious injury could derail everything, perhaps even end my career for good. It was something, as he said, I should give a lot of weight to. Then what were my plans after football, after the lights went off, what would I look to do ? By the time the man finished, I was more confused than when I had entered the room, he could see it as well.

"Brian, look, you don't have to decide anything now. Here is my card, if you decide you are leaning towards the draft this year, call me, I will put you in touch with an agent who can talk to you more about all of this.", he said, extending his card.

"Thank you sir, I will.", I answered.

I left the office, due to the fact several players were waiting for their consultations as well. I went back to my dorm room, laid around giving the situation a lot of thought. I had another fifty eight days before I had to declare if I was going to enter this year's draft. I would be able to go home for spring break before I had to decide. I could talk with Ashley in detail about what to do.

I resumed my normal class schedule and the weeks flew by. Soon it was time to head home for spring break, I was anxious to get away from school for a while. I arrived home early in the morning, I had taken the last bus out the night before and rode all night. It was about eight in the morning when the bus pulled into the station. I knew Ashley was already in school, I could walk there it was only a few blocks away. I figured to take her car home, then go back that afternoon and pick her up. I arrived at the school at eight thirty, checked in at the office with the secretary, who told me the entire school was in general assembly in the gymnasium. I left the office and walked to the gym as I had done so many times before. It was funny how small things seemed here now, like it was a lifetime since I had walked these halls.

I quietly opened the rear door of the gymnasium and stepped in easing the door shut. The entire student body had their backs to me facing the stage, Ms. Carter as usual was addressing the students. This was an annual assembly regarding the entire school having to take the State Standardized Testing which they administered every year. It took a couple of minutes before she realized that I was standing on the back wall, she smiled in my direction, then went back to her address to the students. By now several students had turned in my direction, whispering to their neighbors to look back. A few more minutes passed, then finally Ms. Carter finished her instructions to the students. She paused slightly, then smiled leaning forward again into the microphone.

"Before I dismiss you to your respective classes, I have to say something to all of you. We have a visitor here today, a surprise even to me, which as you know, I am never surprised.", she stated.

"Please help me welcome a fellow student, State Football Champion and now a member of the Louisiana National Football Championship team, Mr. Brian Stevens.", she announced, pointing in my direction.

The students applauded as Ms. Carter motioned for me to join her on stage. I waved my hand back and forth in a negative manner, I did not want to go up in front of everyone. Ms. Carter would have none of my excuses.

"Mr. Stevens, you're in my school now, I can still give you a detention after school. Now get up here.", she exclaimed.

The entire gymnasium exploded into laughter, heckling and hooting at her last remark. I had no choice, I was stuck. I set my two large duffle bags on the floor against the wall and made my way up the center aisle. I rounded the stage and climbed the steps and met Ms. Carter halfway to the podium. I bent down and gave her the customary hug we always shared whenever we ran into each other.

Coach Mike was right behind her with his hug and congratulations on the National Championship victory, I could see he genuinely meant it.

Ms. Carter whispered to me, urging me to say a few words to the students. I tried to decline, but you couldn't tell Ms. Carter no, she simply wouldn't accept it. I stepped to the microphone slowly, trying to collect my thoughts.

"Thank you Ms. Carter, Coach Mike, I appreciate the way you always make me feel at home here. But I really didn't plan on this, I just came to borrow Ash… uh…Ms. Thompson's car so I could get home.", I started.

The entire gym exploded into laughter, everyone looking in Ashley's direction, whom I finally noticed was sitting on the far left middle of the gym. Ms. Carter stepped up next to me and leaned into the microphone once more.

"Brian, please tell the students how it feels to be a National Champion, how college has affected you to this point.", she stated.

"I feel blessed, so very blessed for what I have been given both as an athlete and as a student thus far in my life. Growing up I have been so very fortunate to play football for outstanding coaches. First my Father, then Coach Mike, and lastly my college coaches.", I started.

I turned and looked back at both Ms. Carter and Coach Mike for a moment, they were both grinning ear to ear. I turned back to the students who were eagerly listening.

"For the guys sitting in this gym right now, who are fortunate to be playing for Coach Mike, don't take a moment of your time here for granted. I wouldn't be where I am today if not for Coach Mike, what he taught me, the work ethic he instilled in me. As far as college goes, being a student athlete is the hardest thing I have ever done. You never have a chance to rest, you're either in class, studying or practicing. It's relentless, but it's all worth it in the end.", I said.

I then turned again and looked in the direction of Ms. Carter, who was standing behind me with her arms folded.

"Is that enough so I avoid the detention Ms. Carter ?", I asked.

The entire room once again exploded in laughter, everyone clapping in unison as the principal stepped over taking over the microphone from me.

"Yes Mr. Stevens, you're excused.", she replied.

She then quieted the students down and instructed them to go back to their respective classes, they had ten minutes to report to their teachers. I stepped off the stage as Ashley walked over and hugged me gently, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey hotshot, it's good to see you.", she said, stepping back quickly.

She instructed me to follow her to her classroom so she could give me her car keys. I followed Ashley out of the gymnasium and down the hall towards her class. On the way we ran into Stephanie Jenson, the new teacher at school, whom Ashley had over at our home last Christmas. Ashley once again introduced me to her, she looked even better than the last time we had met. We exchanged small talk for a second, then moved along to Ashley's classroom. She handed me her car keys, telling me she would get a ride home with Stephanie, I didn't need to come back to get her.