DeAndre Williams: Against All Odds

[cooljayhu]

Hey guys I've been wanting to do one of these for a while after my failed attempt a few months ago. This is gonna be different though, I'm doing a "superstar"-style one this time. Its gonna be something like redneks more, ie more novel style than journal. Its gonna be from the first person of the lead man DeAndre Williams, but their will be supporting characters with side-stories written from the first person. Hope you guys enjoy and that this doesn't get "lost in the shuffle".

NOTE: Story contains profanity, if you are easily offended or take offense to profanity, please don't read, for your sake

[cooljayhu]

April 13th, 2007

It had been over 2 months since it happened but I still couldn't walk without a limp. The doctor told me that was normal for this time period and that in a month or two I'd cutting and spinning just like the old days. "18 year old bodies heal fast kid," he told me, "in a little while you'll be back to normal." Normal. What does that word even mean? Is it just a word that describes how someone's feeling, just a catch-phrase they use to reassure you? Cause I know I'll never be normal again, not after I killed her.

The cold ocean breeze cut through my sweater like a knife and chilled my bones. 28 degrees in Cali, who knew? Of course, after 4 hours of walking aimlessly and finishing off a bottle of JD I was numb to everything except my conscience. I just couldn’t take it anymore, people telling me how great I was, asking for my autograph as if nothing had even happened. “You’ll be back,” they’d say, “just give it some time. You’re destined for greatness.”

For the first time in my life, as I sat at the end of Belmont Pier peering out into the vast gloom of the Pacific, I realized how very alone I was. My parents were distant and afraid of whom I had become, and my brothers and friends tried to pretend like they didn’t know what I had done. “Don’t blame yourself,” they said “there’s nothing you could have done to save her.” But, worst of all was her. Why is she gone? Why was she stolen from me before I could tell her?

As I sat there for what seemed like years, I could feel the cold darkness slowly creeping up, threatening to swallow me whole. I didn’t care though; I knew what I had to do to stop the pain. In one quick movement I pulled the gun from my waistband and clicked off the safety. As I raised the gun slowly to my head, I begin to think. What happened to me? How could my life have turned out so wrong? I guess the only way to figure it out is to go back.

My name is DeAndre Williams, this is my story…

[cooljayhu]

October 28, 2006[/b]

It was 8:45 and I was late, but what did I care I’ve been late every day this year and no one seems to mind. I pulled my Ranger into my parking stall right next to the school’s side entrance. The stall didn’t have my name on it, but everyone knew not to park in it, even the teachers. I stepped out into the warm, late October air and began the short walk into school. Helix High, I hate this fucking place. It’s not a bad school or anything it’s just I’m sick of living up to the “legends of the Highland”. I’ve been living in the shadows of Reggie Bush and Alex Smith for over 3 years now, and I’m tired of it. I would have left long ago if not for one person. Samantha Richter, I would take a bullet for that girl. I’m pretty sure she hates my guts because she, and I quote, “hates jocks”, but I’ve secretly loved her since freshman year. It is two months into senior year and she hasn’t even said more than those two words to me. Hopefully that all change though, I can’t stand not being with her.

I could always tell the type of day it was going to be by what my Math teacher, Mr. Reid, called me when I arrived late. I came with my patented shit-eating grin on my face, gave him a wink, and took my seat. “So nice of you to join us DeAndre,” He said returning the smile. It was going to be a good day or at least a good class. If he had said Mr. Williams then I knew I was in deep shit. Reid puts up with a lot of my shit not because I am the “star”, but because I a, his best student. Getting 99% on my Math AP final Junior year started our friendship. I am breaking stereotypes about black athletes everyday and I don’t even have to work hard. Reid was pushing me to go Ivy League, but I don’t want to be a fucking desk jockey, I’m a ballplayer, for life.

School was a blur, as it always is. I spend most of my days making it look like I’m interested in the girls of Helix, when there’s only one I think about at all. I try to pay attention as little as possible in class as it pisses those nerdy kids off when I beat them on everything even when their hanging onto the teacher’s every word. Hell, the only reason I go to school anymore is football and Samantha. I’m in deep with this girl and it’s driving me nuts that she won’t even look twice at me. I can get any girl in this school to fall in love with me, except the one I want.

I was walking down the hall after my last class and halfway through a daydream when these bear-like hands latched onto me and threw me into the air. “Yo, D-Dub how the fuck are you bro?” boomed the voice behind me. Gray Quinnley. That dude’s straight up nuts. 6’7”, 320 lbs of manliness. The kid’s a killer on the field. He can block 2 guys at once with his bear-paw hands. He’s going to Notre Dame on a scholly next year and I’m going to miss his blocks, wherever I go.

“You made up your mind yet D?”

He was talking about which school I am going to, of course. I am down to 3: UCLA, Oregon, and Florida. Each school brought something unique to the table; UCLA is really close to home so my parents and 2 younger brothers (Zach and Travis) could come to my games; Oregon has guaranteed me a starting spot this year or the next; and Florida would give me a chance to get the fuck out of this city and away from Helix for good.

“Nothing officially yet, dog. I’ll let you know if that changes though.”

“Sweet man. Peace out homie, see ya in practice.”

Typical whiteboy, I thought to myself as he strolled away. That guy’s going to tear it up in playoffs, just like me. Two more weeks now till playoff time. We got a bye this week Coach Dixon wants us to practice full-go anyway. Maybe I’ll come down with a hamstring pull or something. I hate fucking striders.

[I am a huge CUNT]

i think I may actually stop reading it cause of what a gigantic d-bag this guy is. Seriously this guys a dick. This isn't what you're like in real life is it? Hopefully not and please don't think think this is what "cool people" do, for your sake.

[cooljayhu]

msuspartan2 said:

i think I may actually stop reading it cause of what a gigantic d-bag this guy is. Seriously this guys a dick. This isn't what you're like in real life is it? Hopefully not and please don't think think this is what "cool people" do, for your sake.

what has he done so far? He's one of the "good guys" he thinks guys like your guy are D-Bags

[SilverChaosVII]

I kinda like his attitude. It's kinda that... "i just don't give a fuck" thing... it's appealing. I hope you keep this going. You have a reader in me.

And yes, Spartan... this type of guy is the one who beats the shit out of your guy after school

[cooljayhu]

November 20, 2006

”Okay guys, I hate to use a movie quote, but let’s put the women and children to bed and go looking for supper. I Right, 34 Search on 1.” Mark loves cracking jokes in the middle of games. Most of the guys hate him for it, but personally I love that a QB could keep things light and not take himself too seriously. Most of them are premadonnas, always looking for the spotlight. Besides, our opponent sucks considering they were in the State Semis. We were already up 31 with just under a half to play. I planned on making it 38 on this play though. I love this play, it’s our bread and butter and no one runs it better than me.

I took the ball from Mark at the 42 and followed my lead blocker. There was nothing but green grass in front of me as I hit the hole; they stacked the left side and we went right. I could hear, hell I could feel the roar of the crowd as I sprinted past the defense. The 30, the 20, the 5, touchdown baby! There’s nothing in the world like being in the endzone. I’m not much of showman; more of a Barry Sanders - flip the ball to the ref and celebrate with my team - type. I hit the sidelines and Coach Dixon told me my night was done. I was definitely okay with that, I’ll need my strength next week for De La Salle, the #1 team in Cali.

246 yards and 4 TDs on 17 carries ain’t a bad night at all. We put the game on cruise control the rest of the night winning by 28. I was mobbed by reporters after the game, each of the asking the same dumbass question just with a different wording. It didn’t matter if they asked “So have you decided yet DeAndre?” or “Where are you leaning to?” I mostly ignore them. I hate the media attention I get. Most of the time I just want to be left alone, especially after a game. Something in corner of my catches my attention and I quickly turn my head but there’s nothing there. That’s weird I could of sworn Samantha in the crowd. She never comes to these games and to be honest I’m glad she doesn’t that would seriously fuck with my concentration. As I am starting to question why I don’t just hit the showers and ignore these idiots, a reporter asks me the stupidest question I have ever heard.

“DeAndre, De La Salle looks to be unstoppable. Do you really think you can beat them?” I was so pissed at this dude for asking that bonehead question, before I could think about it I snapped back with:

“Nah dawg, I don’t think we can beat them. Hell, maybe we should just quit right now and save ourselves the embarrassment. This interview’s over, bro.” I knew they would have a field day with that comment but I didn’t give a shit. I’m going do all my talking on the field next week.

[cooljayhu]

November 23, 2006

“Can you fucking explain something to me DeAndre? Why the fuck is there a front page story on Tribune with you saying that we should just quit before we get embarrassed?” Coach Dixon slid the paper across the desk at me and I could see my face beaming back up at me and the headline “WE CAN’T WIN” staring me in the face.

“Coach I didn’t mean it like that, they took it outta context.”

“You know what DeAndre? Save your fucking excuses for someone who cares. You just earned some extra striders for the whole team with your idiotic comments.” I didn’t even reply to it, I knew it was just going to get worse from them. Not only is coach pissed at me, but now the whole team is going to hate me. “Extra” to coach means like 20. And when you’re sprinting the width of the field three times to make up one strider, 20 is a-fucking-lot. I left Dixons office and attempted to avoid my teammates’ glares. It was inevitable someone would speak up and I knew exactly who it was going to be.

“What the fuck D?” Marcus Clayton, star receiver and star douche bag. The guy thinks he’s the next Randy Moss, only no one told him he’s destined to be the Mike Williams. “Why you gotta play us like that, brotha? You sold us the fuck out on that one. You just a punk-ass disloyal bitch.” I had enough of his jawing and socked him in the jaw, sending him flying back. Clay talks a lot of shit but he is also a giant pussy when it came to confrontations. He just started trashing me again, but I knew he wasn’t about to do nothing. This is way too much drama for me; I need to focus on Friday night.

[chosenone58]

This is hot, dude.....keep it up

[Jay [FSU]]

Tha block is hot.
And by tha block, I mean this story.

[cooljayhu]

November 24, 2006

“You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut could you? You just couldn’t let it go huh? Well you’ve got yourself in a pickle now DeAndre.” Reid was royally pissed at me for the article and, to be honest, I was more afraid of him than Coach Dixon. Reid was the Helix’s academic misconduct advisor, meaning you do something wrong and he’s the one who tells you that you’ve suspended. I wasn’t Reid’s friend on this one; I was his star student who made a bonehead mistake. “I just got off the line with VP Hughes and he has recommended a 2 day vacation for you. The suspension will make you ineligible for Friday.

“Are you kidding me!? The team needs me on friday! This is some bullsh…” I trailed off remembering who was talking. “I mean this sucks hard, man.”

“I’d shut your mouth if I was you, DeAndre. I decided that a suspension was unnecessary considering you’re the top student in the Senior class.” Whew, I thought a suspension for basically telling some reporter to fuck himself would be standard procedure. Hell, Gray got 3 days for getting a speeding ticket last year and he wasn’t even near school. “However, DeAndre, you will have to do something as punishment for stupidity. With your academic prowess, I figured doing a little after-school tutoring is just what you need.”

“Ahh come on Reid. I can’t be wasting my time tutoring, I need to focus football.” Tutoring usually means an extra 2-3 hours in the library after football practice. Half the team needs tutors just to pass their courses, but now I was going to be on the other side of it. I groaned audibly, knowing Reid was not going to change his mind.

“Well since we’re in agreement about your punishment. I guess we’ll get started by introducing you to your first student. Follow me.” Reid got up from his desk, and I strolled nonchalantly down the halls of Helix doing my best to “look cool for the bitches”. We entered the library from the side entrance to the sight of 40 students being taught the fundamentals of Calculus, Communism, and Capote. As we made our way through the sea of tables full of textbooks, I spotted the only person without a partner at the table. She had her back to me but I could already tell who she was. I could spot her sleek black hair from a mile away.

“DeAndre,” Mr. Reid said as she swivelled elegantly in her chair, “I’d like you to me you Samantha Richter, it seems Sam has been having some trouble with her Calculus homework.”

I could only smile as I thought, “maybe tutoring won’t be so bad after all.”

[cooljayhu]

for the two of you that read this ain't dead I'm just having some serious writer's block and life has caught up to me the past few days. Updates are coming soon.

[cooljayhu]

November 27, 2006[/b]

I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, as if I was Atlas. Everybody in the room was looking towards me, hoping for me to say something inspirational. I kept my head down and my IPod on full blast. It wasn’t time yet; there was still several minutes left. I never get nervous, not like normal people do at least. I get nervous about stupid shit, like whether my jersey was tucked in right or if my visor glistened enough. Big games never bother me much, not like the rest of the guys. Gray’s puked 3 times already. I was beginning to worry about the shine of my cleats when Al Pacino’s gravelly voice signalled the 10 minutes till game time warning:

I don't know what to say really. Three minutes to the biggest battle of our professional lives all comes down to today. Either we heal as a team or we are going to crumble. Inch by inch play by play till we're finished. We are in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me and we can stay here and get the shit kicked out of us or we can fight our way, back into the light. We can climb out of hell. One inch, at a time. Now I can't do it for you. I'm too old. I look around and I see these young faces and I think, I mean, I made every wrong choice a middle age man could make. I pissed away all my money believe it or not. I chased off anyone who has ever loved me. And lately, I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror.

You know when you get old in life things get taken from you. That's, that's part of life. But, you only learn that when you start losing stuff. You find out that life is just a game of inches. So is football. Because in either game, life or football, the margin for error is so small. I mean one half step too late or to early you don't quite make it. One half second too slow or too fast and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are in ever break of the game every minute, every second.

On this team, we fight for that inch On this team, we tear ourselves, and everyone around us to pieces for that inch. We CLAW with our finger nails for that inch. Cause we know when we add up all those inches that's going to make the fucking difference between WINNING and LOSING between LIVING and DYING! I'll tell you this in any fight it is the guy who is willing to die who is going to win that inch. And I know if I am going to have any life anymore it is because, I am still willing to fight, and die for that inch because that is what LIVING is. The six inches in front of your face.

Now I can't make you do it. You gotta look at the guy next to you. Look into his eyes. Now I think you are going to see a guy who will go that inch with you. You are going to see a guy who will sacrifice himself for this team because he knows when it comes down to it, you are gonna do the same thing for him. That's a team, gentlemen and either we heal now, as a team, or we will die as individuals. That's football guys. That's all it is. Now, whattaya gonna do?

I could recite those words by heart at this point. After three years of listening to it before every game that speech had become me. As Pacino’s voice faded off I stood, about face my teammates to make the hardest pregame speech of my life. It was the state finals, what could I possibly say to motivate these guys more than that. The locker room drew quiet as each player became aware of my presence. The utter silence of the locker room was only broken by the sound of pounding feet and screams of the 50 000 that packed the Rose Bowl that warm November night. My heart was racing, I hadn’t felt like this about football in years. 50 men all staring back at me, looking for guidance, for something to hold in their hearts and minds as they went into battle. I cleared my throat and began my speech.

[cooljayhu]

November 27, 2006[/b]

“Okay guys it's time. It's time for me to man up. I'm sorry about what happened; I sold you guys out and I was wrong. But thats the past and lets put it where it belongs in the past.” Truth be told I didn't feel sorry about saying what I did, I was tired of people disrespecting us in favour of those bitches from La Salle. I was defending my team saying what I said, not selling them out. They needed to hear the apology though; they needed to know that I was with them 100%.

“I don't really know what to say, to be honest. For the first time in my life I am at a loss for words to describe how important this is. Not just because it's for State, not just because it's going to be the Senior's last gaem; it's because those douchebags over there think they got us. They think they're invincible, untouchable. I think... I know they're in for a big suprise. They're the media darlings and the papers have been sucking their dicks for far too long.

“To be honest I don't even care if we win or lose, I just want one moment. One moment where their whole team realizes something; that noone is invincible, everybody can be touched. But I want you to realize something too; that on any given day anyone can win or lose – but you can win or lose like a man. As I look around this locker room I can tell that win or lose, each and every one of you will want to walk outta here with your heads held high. Win or lose we're gonna go out there and unleash hell upon them. They are going to wish they never showed up.

“Always remember guys, win or lose, what we do in life echoes in eternity and that it's not what we say, but our actions that define us.” The crowd noise could be felt now; 50 000 screaming fans all waiting for one thing. “It's time for us to take our place in history.”

[cooljayhu]

November 27, 2006[/b]

My heart pounded in my ears and air seemed hard to come by. Not coming off the field for almost 4 quarters without a rest can do that. It was my last game as a Highlander and I was making the most of it. I asked to be placed on every special team on top of playing RB and SS. It was the most exhausted I had ever been in my life but it was worth it. We were down only 9-7 in a classic defensive battle with 3 minutes left. However, La Salle was marching and had made it to our 23, someone needed to step up and that someone might as well be me.

After receiving the playcall I entered the defensive huddle unable to add any words of encouragement after breathing out the call: “40 gold, dog left.” A simple play really, zone cover out of a 4-3 set. But the real suprise is the late blitz by the SS, aka me. La Salle came up to the line of scrimmage and I finally saw what I had been waiting all night for. Fear in the eyes of their QB, Jonathan Parker; 5-star recruit and 5-star douchebag. He was once quoted as saying “That Williams kid is horribly overrated, he ain't gonna doing anything in college.”

“Well Parker,” I thought, “tonight's the night I make you pay.” The ball was snapped and I hesitated for a second pretending to drop into a zone. Instead, I sprinted full speed around the left side and whalloped Parker as he let go of the ball. He fumbled the ball, and it rolled 5 yards back. I raced after it scooped it up and was gone. Nobody was catching me this time. I don't care how tired I was, I just kept my legs churning. The crowd roared louder and louder as I drew close to the goaline. I swan-dived my way into the endzone and just layed there, soaking in the moment. I had done it; after 4 years of busting my ass, I had arrived.

I knew it was over, I could see it the eyes of the La Salle players; they were finished. The last remaining ticks of the clock crept past and finally we had done it. We were State Champs and we had played, and triumphed, like men, like warriors.

[cooljayhu]

November 30, 2006[/b]

DeAndre, DeAndre, DeAndre, DeAndre!!!!!

I could feel the chanting of the crowd in bones as I stepped up to accept the State Championship trophy. I gazed triumphantly out into the crowd and saw her. Samantha had finally come to a game! However, instead of cheering, she was pointing and laughing at me. The chanting and applause of the crowd quickly turned to laughter. Laughter that I didn't understand until I looked down. I was naked! If a black man could blush, I would have been beat red.

I ran away trying to cover myself, when a familiar voice said, “DeAndre. DeAndre! Will someone wake our resident football star up.” I groggily lifted my head up to Mr. Reid and my entire Math class staring at me. “Oh, thanks for joining us Mr. Williams. No matter how much you partied this weekend, my class is not nap time.” Reid was wrong about that though, I don't party at all. I hung out a bit this weekend but thats it. Alcohol clouds your judgement and wrecks your body. I just don't mess with it. The bell rang saving me from future ridicule for napping during Reid's particularily “enthralling” derivatives lecture. School gets really boring when you always know the answer. Hopefully college will be more interesting. I exited the room and walked down the hall trying to recover from my dream.

“Hey, DeAndre. Wait up,” a voice behind me yelled. I turned to see Samantha weaving her way through the throng of kids to get to me. “Hey, I just wanted to say congrats on the game on friday. And that I need some help with my homework.”

“Uh, yeah. Sure, I can uh... yeah help with that,” I mumbled. Great DeAndre, very smooth.

“Okay great,” she replied, “I'll see you tonight then.” I didn't even acknowledge her response as I was too busy gazing at her as she did the hair-flip model turn and walked away. Man I could use a cold shower.

[cooljayhu]

January 23, 2007[/b]

Next up for the 40 yard dash, from Helix High School in San Diego, running back DeAndre Williams.

Here it was. After 8 years of hard work and a 6 hour drive north to Oakland for the Nike Combine, I was 40 yards and just over 4 seconds (hopefully) away from my dream of college football. “Just remember your technique,” I said to myself. “You've done this hundred times so just relax.” I took my stance at the start and breathed in deeply. I thrusted my knee forward and exploded off the line. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as a churned my legs faster and faster. I raced past the finish and glided to a stop, waiting for the official results.

That was running back DeAndre Williams with the fastest 40 time clocked today, 4.28 seconds.

4.28? Damn thats fast, especially after weighing in at 212 pounds. After I blazed that time then put up 18 reps in the bench, I had the media swarming. I was rated as a 4 star prospect and the 19th overall RB before this camp, but on the drive home I got a call from Gray saying I was now 5 stars and 3rd overall. 19th to 3rd in 4.28 seconds? Not bad.

[cooljayhu]

February 6, 2007[/b]

We have been blessed with his running and tackling for 4 years now and it's going to be very sad to see him go. I think DeAndre is about to make some school very happy and very lucky. Here he is, the 3rd overall running back in the Class of 2007, DeAndre Williams.

There was Coach Dixon singing my praises again. I'm not sure what he's gonna do without me next year; he designed his entire playbook around me, which is great as long as I'm playing. I walked up to the podium in front of dozens of cameras. Gray was already sitting there wearing his Notre Dame hat and our QB Mark Collins was there wearing his USC hat. There was no doubt where they were going, they were just making it official today.

As for me that was a different; it seemed noone had any idea what I was doing. I kept my recruiting very private even though I had actually commited a week ago, but today was National Signing Day; I needed make it public and official. I took my seat with three hats in front of me: Oregon, UCLA, and Florida. I breathed in deeply and took in the moment. I never thought that I would be here, sitting in front of hundreds of people all waiting to see where I was going to school.

“It seems like a lifetime ago that I was just another kid coming to Helix. Alot has happened in that time and I am grateful for the support all of you have shown me in my 4 years here. With that said, I would like to proudly announce that I am heading East. I'm going to be a Gator.” I grabbed the UF hat and smiled for the cameras. This was my ticket out of this town, but also away from Sam.

[cooljayhu]

February 8, 2007[/b]

“Yo Gray where the fuck are these directions taking me man!?”

I was attempting to find this football get-together for my birthday that Gray texted me directions to. I didn't recognize this area at all though, and immediately called Gray to find out what was going on. “You'll see when you get here. I think you're like 10 seconds out,” he replied. “Yo everybody D-Dub is on his way!” I had hold the phone away from my ear as probably 100 people roared in approval. Fucking Gray, he told me it was gonna be like 15 people, but it was apparant as I turned the corner and drove into a cul-de-sac that it was gonna be an all-night rager.

“Gray. What the fuck man? You know I hate parties.”

“DeAndre, chill man. Noone's gonna make you drink so stop whining. Plus I got all the fine bitches to come. We gotta celebrate man, you're heading out east soon and we need one last party.”

He was right though, I was headed out to Gainsville in two days cause I had already graduated from Helix. Hey, maybe it'll be a good time though. It'll be good to see all my friends one last time. I pulled up and saw that they saved a parking spot right outside the house. As I got out of my Ranger, Gray's booming voice could be heard over everyone else.

“I am proud to present the star of the party making his first and probably only appearance at a Helix High gala event, Number 28 running back DeAndre Williams!” I tried my best to look happy about being here as a waded through the crowd. All I wanted to do was get out of there until I saw Samantha through the crowd.

[cooljayhu]

February 8, 2007[/b]

“You know what I love about you DeAndre? You don't take shit from anybody man. You live your life the way you want to, not the way people want you to.”

All i could think about while Mark was talking to me was “Why do people drink?” Here was Mark, an otherwise intelligent guy slurring out some random nonsense for the past half an hour. The party was almost done with only about 20 people left, most of them (including Gray) past out. I was getting out of here and finally leaving Helix behind for good.

I stepped out into the cool early morning air to see Samantha frantically dialing her phone.

“Friggin' voicemail. Does anyone answer their phone anymore.”

“Hey Samantha. You alright?” I asked.

“Yeah I'm fine it's just my friends left me here and now I have to walk home.”

“Come on I'll give you a ride home. I didn't drink tonight.”

She nodded her reply and got into my truck. “Are you normally this messy?” There was a few empty beer cans and bottles on the floor.

“No it looks like somebody has been using this for recreationally purposes.” She laughed at my joke as I started up my truck and drove away from my first and only high school party.