003 Personality Guarantee

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Not only Li Wei, Bell was also full of enthusiasm as he looked toward Burns, sharing the same concerns:

Can a complete outsider really make it in football?

Of course, in the NCAA, multi-sport athletes are not uncommon, including those in basketball, football, baseball, hockey, track and field, etc. More than a few excel in two, even three disciplines and receive draft invitations from more than one professional league due to their astonishing talent and outstanding performance.

But.

Fighting?

Was Burns truly convinced, or was he mistaking the invitation for Li Wei to join the team in a fistfight?

Burns could feel the gaze of Li Wei and Bell. He grew somewhat flustered and anxious, sweat beading on his forehead. Awkwardly adjusting his posture, he hastily tried to explain his thoughts, but once he entered into the professional topic, he spoke ceaselessly, unable to stop.

"To be honest, we are currently in a positive cycle, everything is in optimal condition."

"After reaching the pinnacle of national championships in '11 and '12, we were stopped in the semifinals in both '13 and '14, followed by reclaiming our throne last year."

"The key is the running back."

"Everyone knows that the Alabama Crimson Tide Storm is a traditional powerhouse for running backs—right, I'm the team's running back coach. Last year, Derrick Henry, after two seasons of development, finally exploded in his junior year."

"His season tally of 2,219 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns would be top-tier at any time, and he undisputedly won the highest NCAA honor, the Heisman Trophy."

"Then."

"After the season ended, Henry entered the draft in April and officially joined the Professional League."

"The upcoming season in September without our leading running back is not good news. Without great care, we could miss the championship just like in '13 and '14."

"If that were the only issue, then it wouldn't be so serious. This is the NCAA; every year we face students graduating or turning professional. We have been through all of this. We are aware of the difficulties we will face, and we always find a solution. But the situation is far more severe than this."

"During this month's spring training camp, we had three running backs injured in succession. Now, there are only two running backs left on the team; we can't even fill the bench."

"Although our leading running back is still healthy and ready to play, and the second running back's injury may take about six months to heal—a conservative estimate would be a mid-season return—we can't rely on chance. Not only can we not rely on it, but we also need to be fully prepared. We are in urgent need of running backs."

"If we start the season without four running backs at the ready, I'm already panicking, and now, we have only two."

"I…"

Burns was both agitated and embarrassed—

A clever wife cannot cook without rice.

Despite the University of Alabama's reputation as a football powerhouse and a traditional stronghold for running backs, the fact that Burns could be the running back coach attests to his capabilities. But now, with "no rice," Burns had plenty of skill but nowhere to apply it.

The honest man before them was almost in tears.

"President."

"Give me four running backs, and even if we cannot defend the title, I can still get us into a bowl game. But now, with only two running backs, what can I do?"

"Forget about '13 and '14; we could revert overnight to pre-'07."

Bell was startled:

That's unacceptable.

As a traditional football college, the University of Alabama relies on this reputation for recruitment each year. If the football team performs poorly, the consequences are beyond imagination.

But if it were merely about recruitment, the University of Alabama has other strong sports programs, so there's no real worry there. The real key is the revenue from broadcasting rights.

Those familiar with Europe's top five football leagues and the NBA would know that the broadcasting rights of competitive sports are where the money's at; football is no exception.

NCAA football broadcasting is divided into two parts: North American live broadcasts and regional live broadcasts.

Naturally, the advertising revenue from North American broadcasts is several times higher, but only strong teams and games that attract public conversation make it to the North American live broadcasts.

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That is to say, the performance of the University of Alabama football team would determine the school's financial income—

It was a matter of life and death.

Bell looked at Burns, and likewise, Burns looked at Bell, "President, we need Li Wei."

Perhaps Li Wei was an outsider, but considering the current state of the team, Li Wei truly was the perfect choice, with both talent and ability laid out clearly before them.

Burns believed that, given a Li Wei, regardless of whether he could groom a second Derrick Henry, there would still be hope for this season.

Having said that, Burns looked at Li Wei, "I'm serious."

Despite the sweat on his head and the flush on his cheeks, Burns's eyes were so bright and so focused, laying out his cards sincerely and openly.

This time, Li Wei did not refuse, "Alright."

Perhaps, the key to changing his life and writing a brilliant story was football.

Even after Li Wei had left the office, Bell turned to Burns with a meaningful smile, filled with anticipation yet also with some concern.

"Burton, our goal is to defend the title. Are you telling me now that he is the missing piece in our championship puzzle, and does the head coach agree with your view?"

Burns was the assistant head coach, and above him, there was the head coach of the team. They were an excellent partnership, this year marking their tenth season working together at the University of Alabama, so Burns's status within the team was extraordinary.

But even so, Burns wasn't the head coach, the real authority over life and death of the team laid in the hands of the head coach.

"Of course, President, the coach is aware of our meeting today."

"I won't say that this kid is the missing piece in our championship puzzle, but if we want to defend the title, we must replenish our running back resources."

"I know what I'm doing."

Confident, yet sincere.

Burns was a down-to-earth character; he didn't make grandiose promises or claim easy title defenses—none of that.

But his words were very persuasive.

Bell nodded slightly in understanding.

"You're responsible for evaluating his performance, while we will evaluate yours. You need to know that from now on, you're his guarantor."

"Coach, I understand that defending the title isn't just something you talk about—it's complicated and tough. So, I won't say what'll happen if we don't defend it, but I need our games to be nationally televised."

"You know how important that is for the school."

"Last season, we had ten games nationally televised; the season before that, the number was eight. I know this year we've faced some difficulties, so I'm not making an unreasonable demand—seven games, at least."

"Coach, seven games."

"If it's less than that, then before I sit down to talk with this young man, I'll need to talk with you first. Of course, I'll confirm this matter with the head coach too; I need an answer from him."

"Hold on, you're supposed to take him to tryouts soon, right?"

Seven games, no simple feat—

Because in the NCAA regular season, there are only twelve games in total, and if you add playoff games, bowl games, and the national championship, that makes only fifteen.

In other words, it's necessary to make it into the post-regular season games as well.

Burns didn't respond rashly, but took a deep breath and nodded seriously.

Creak.

The door to the president's office opened again, and Burns emerged with a brilliant smile for Li Wei waiting at the doorway.

"How about it, want to come with me to see the team? They should already be waiting."