It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

[DrGravyBoat]

Transferring from SS

National Signing Day, 2014

National Signing day is normally the happiest day in a young athlete's life. I however, had learned that this day only brings unwanted pressure and expectations on a bigger stage.

I was about to turn 20, as a sophomore. I was what most call, a "JUCO". My Junior College, Rose and Mary in Billings Montana. I kind of tore it up down in Billings. Over 3,500 yards in the air and almost 750 on the ground. It earned me a 4-star ranking in Rivals and an 81 point grade with ESPN. National Signing day is a way to promote the egos of young talents across the country and now, I earned the right to have my ego boosted.

My year at Rose and Mary had been difficult. There were struggles in almost ever aspect there. It was more of a high school than college. Everyone knew everyone's business and so, the moment my marks started dropping, everybody knew. It was hard to go out to the local Chic-Fil-A after a bad loss, thankfully only one. Sometimes though, it'd be even harder to go out after a win. With so many "fans" trying to talk with you, it was virtually impossible to order chicken nuggets or a salad.

After the year was finished, I had received 15 offers from Div. I schools. Texas Tech, UL Lafayette and Colorado were my best options. I knew I wasn't going to generate much offers but was quite surprised when Texas Tech offered me a chance to join them. I had then decided to verbal commit to Texas Tech, announcing my decision to the world, or 800 followers, on Instagram. However, my mindset changed after I visited Colorado on a road-trip and then later experienced Cajun cooking for the first time. I then contacted Texas Tech and told them I'm still strongly considering them but I want to venture into other metaphorical lakes.

Before today, I visited every school in my top 3. Lubbock, Texas was easily my favourite city. I enjoyed the feel of the city and a top class restaurant while catching a game at AT&T Stadium didn't hurt either. Lafayette was also a great city, with great cooking of course. My final stop was in Boulder Colorado. I enjoyed the small town feel but the altitude made me feel light-headed at times. I'm sure I'll adjust if I play there though.

So, here we are. I have 3 hats in front of me. One with a double "T", one with a circle entrenched with Flames and another with a charging Buffalo. It now seems like a dream. I've always dreamed of being able to have the opportunity to choose which University I get to play for. I reach over the table circling around a few times, for show and grab the one decked out in Red and Black, I'm now a red raider.

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Part 2:
August 25th,

When you first arrive in Lubbock, there are three things you notice. One of those things being Jones AT&T Stadium, the other being the heat. At first, I underestimated the heat after arriving from Billings. I thought it was just another "hot" day. I was wrong, 100 degree weather for 4 straight days and a small case of heat stroke. I had to stay in a hotel, paying for it myself, (NCAA rules are ridiculous) because of some cleaning issue

I checked in with student services. They saw my name on some list, and told me to head down to Coach's office with all my bags. When I first walked into Coach's office, it was covered in Texas Tech memorabilia and newspaper articles. Anything you can imagine, he had. We talked for roughly 20 minutes, mainly about my role in the offence, himself, his coaching style and representing the school well. As I walked out the door, I wondered did I belong here?

After dragging my bags behind me I finally arrived in the school's main hall, again. I signed in and headed up to my room, 223 in the Sneed Hall. When I got there, there was some kid cranking Rae Summond or something like that from a stereo. I was more into Dierks Bentley so it felt like nails on a chalkboard.

"Hey" I said as he was setting up a poster on his wall. It appeared he didn't hear me.

"Hey" I repeated this time a little bit louder. He turned around and saw my 5'11" figure in the doorway.

"Oh, sorry didn't hear you." He answered, looking sorry and a little bit embarrassed.

"Anything I can help you with?" I asked, putting my bags down.

"Um, ya could you just help me move this bed over there." He replied pointing to a corner next to a window.

"So, you a sophomore?" He asked, trying to start a conversation

"Yah, transfered here from a small JUCO, Rose and Mary..."I answered, being cutoff mid sentence.

"Oh, so you the new QB. I'm Ja'Deion High, your new favourite target."

"Pleasure to meet you, Jay Greyvenstein, your new favourite passer." I answered jokingly.

After moving the furniture and setting up my room, we head into the living area. Before arriving, I had gone back to my parents home, in Canada and grabbed all my possessions I didn't take to Billings. I brought my XBOX, a few books, baseball and football cards, basically anything I grew up with. As we talked trying to setup the XBOX, I learned more about him and the team. It seemed like forever but we finally got the XBOX setup and started playing NCAA 14. He chose Texas Tech, because he was in the game. I decided to go with Auburn, my ex-favourite team. It was enjoyable and no matter what Ja'Deion says, I destroyed him by at least 20. We had tons of fun until Ja'deion looked at his phone.

"Welp, we're screwed" He said, rising from the couch, putting on his shoes

"Why?" I asked following suit.

"Didn't coach tell you about the banquet tonight?"

I thought long and hard, concluding that he might have said something about a banquet.

"Maybe, let's just hurry. Maybe we make it before they start."

We run at an incredible speed, Ja'Deion beating me to the door.

"If they have started, let's just seek in and hope they don't notice us."

Fortunately, they hadn't started but coach did look a little bit upset we cut the start so close. As we settled into our chairs, the presentation began. I didn't remember too much of the presentation, mainly when they told a joke or talked about incoming players. After the presentation was over, a few guys invited us to Buffalo Wid Wings for tomorrow and with that, I passed out on my bed, drifting to sleep.

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Part 3:
August 26th,

When I woke up the next morning, I saw Ja'Deion making pancakes in the "kitchen". I sat down and flipped the channel to ESPN. Not much news in the world of sports, a diving catch, a crazy golf shot, the usual. Ja'Deion looked very concentrated while cooking only looking up at the screen every once in a while. I made myself a bowl of cherrios, and headed back to my spot on the couch.

"When's our first practice?" I wondered aloud while enjoying my cereal.

"Dammit" Ja'Deion said, running into his room.

I immediately knew what that meant. I ran into my room, searching everywhere for my bag. Under the bed, in the closet everywhere. I finally found it in the entrance way. After that, all I remember is a blur. We just ran as fast as our legs would carry us to the indoor practice facility. I had hoped that they hadn't started like the previous night but unfortunately our luck had run out.

I ran out onto the field with Ja'Deion, greeted coldly by Coach K and the coordinators. I tried to hide my face or look somewhere to avoid their angry stares but to no avail. After what seemed like an eternity, the overview of practice had finished and we began drills.

I headed over to the quarterbacks "group". There, I met my biggest competition for the starting spot, Michael Brewer. He stood at 6 feet and was a menacing figure to have to compete against in this position battle. He looked at me with an unfriendly face and proceeded to absolutely destroy any doubt in my mind that he was a mediocre quarterback. When it was my turn to run the drills my legs were trembling, my heart was racing and I felt quite light-headed. I had a strong showing, demonstrating my mobility and elusiveness. The highlight of my showcase was a 35 yard tuck n' run which resulted in a touchdown. I looked over to see Mike give a quick smirk or either a approving smile. After I finished up, I headed over to the gatorade bucket where I was greeted by Ja'Deion.

"How you hanging up?" I asked, chugging the tiny cup of gatorade.

"Not great man, these kids can play." He responded gasping for air

"How you doing?" He asked when he had regained his breath.

"I'm not doing too bad. Michael seems to be the biggest competition so far." I answered just before coach called us in.

"Great job today everybody. We look like a very strong team and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish. Heading in, we're ranked #23 but with hard work we can easily make it higher. Just before you go, I'd like to challenge you guys to excel not just on the field but, in the classroom. Let's bring it in on Coach Morris."

"Raiders on three." Coach Morris began.

"1,2,3."

"Raiders" Shouted everyone.

As I was walking of the field with Ja'Deion, coach grabbed our shoulders and told us we needed to talk.

"Listen guys, I like you both a lot. Jay, you are a tremendous talent and we are happy to have landed you at Texas Tech. Ja'Deion, you're an integral part of the receiving corps and we feel like your talents could take us places. With that being said, you guys need to get to team events on time. I saw you guys arrive a tad bit late yesterday for the banquet but I let it slide. You guys need to take initiative and focus on what you came to do, play football."

"Sorry coach, it won't happen again. I'll make sure of it." Said Ja'Deion remorsefully.

"Ok, it better not. You can go Ja'Deion. I just need to talk with Jay for a minute." Coach answered. My heart rate increased. Would this be a talk about starting?

"What did you want to talk about coach?" I asked, anticipating the answer.

"Let's cut to the chase. You're a great QB and you're only going to get better. Not everyone can have a second chance to play football like you. You were a 4-star talent. You know how to run, how to use your feet and certainly throw. That is why, the coaches and I are going to let you start week 1 vs UTEP. This is a trial. I want no more than an interception, I want you to use yours legs, I want you to tuck it and run if you need to. I used to be a quarterback here. I didn't have half the talent you have. Go out there and show me you can play. If you don't Mike is a perfectly capable QB. Show the nation what you can do."

"Thanks so much coach. I will not let you down." I answered smiling from ear to ear.

Of course nothing on the field can prepare you for what happens off it.

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Part 4:
August 26th,

It was the first day of classes for me and I already hated it. Everything about that class seemed difficult, even when the professor introduced himself, it seemed difficult to understand. A literature course should not seem difficult but, to me it was. There was a course outline and as I read the list, I understood almost no concepts. Fortunately, class ended for me in what seemed like a short time. Maybe the reason it felt so quick was because I fell asleep?

I went out to the city to pick up groceries using Ja’Deion’s jeep. 

As I headed out of the store, I checked my phone. An unanswered message from Ja’Deion.

"Los Picantes at 6"

I hoped in the Jeep, with my cereal, twinkies and Oreos and headed to Los Picantes. Los Picantes was notorious around Lubbock for their incredibly spicy food and cheap prices. The restaurant was founded in 1982 by the Hernadez brothers. They still ran the shop and always had a kick out of first time eaters at their place.

When I arrived at Los Picantes, I saw Ja'Deion sitting in a booth by himself. I saw him wave and was headed to the table.

"Hey, what's up" I said sitting down, grabbing a nacho from his plate.

"Nothing much but, I did hear something that you'll want to pay attention to." He responded, guilting me into dropping the nachos I was eating.

"Go for it."

"Okay, so everyone's heard your starting for us this year. And now, your pretty hot stuff around campus. Everyone wants to be around you, to even be in the same room as you is a huge accomplishment. That being said, Mike don't like. You basically took his spot as king of campus. He said you don't deserve to be starter and all that other kind of bull. So, he said he's gonna transfer and report some recruiting "violations" from your recruitment if he doesn't get to start in week one vs UTEP. The coaches don't know how to deal with it so they may be letting him get the nod week 1. You got to outshine him during practice man. I don't want him throwing passes. Don't give the coaches a reason for you not to be the starter. You deserve it way more than him. So, go out there represent Texas Tech the way they should be represented. Prove to the nation that you are the best quarterback that has ever and will ever step foot out Jones AT&T stadium. But most importantly, don't let that loser win." Ja'Deion ranted, with a passion burning in his eyes. He really didn't want Michael Brewer to be that starting QB.

"Well thanks, good to know, I guess." I answered sheepishly. I really couldn't think of anything better to say.

"Are you kidding me. I just gave the most empowering speech ever and all you have to say is okay? What about those recruiting violations and everything, you won't be able to play while the NCAA investigates." He answered, rage showing on his face.

"Well, about those recruiting violations. There's something I never told you..."

_________________
Author's note: Hope that's an exciting cliff hanger. Anyway. I won't be able to get a game post up until Saturday (maybe). I'm getting a new TV in my room so, I gotta go out to the store and since I live a half an hour from a place that sells high quality TVs, I gotta go on the weekend. Sorry.

[RedRaider10]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Count me in as a follower, glad you chose to come to Lubbock and be a Red Raider

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Part 5:
August 26th,

"Hold on, are you serious?" Asked Ja'Deion with a dumbstruck look on his face.

"I ain't joking." I answered, avoiding his eyes looking down at the table or at the multiple TVs around the restaurant.

"No, you're kidding right. There's no way that you're ineligible." He yelled, everyone turned their heads.

"Let's not let the entire restaurant know." I replied calmly, taking a sip of water.

"Okay, just explain this to me when we get back to the dorm. I need to know why my best friend isn't even supposed to be at the same university as me." He said, gathering his things.

"Your paying by-the-way. Who knows how much money you have." He added, rising from the table.

When we got back to the dorm, Ja'Deion flicked on the lights. I headed over, reaching for the TV remote. Just before I had grabbed it, he slapped my wrist.

"No TV till you explain." Ordered Ja'Deion.

"Yes Mom." I answered sarcastically preparing myself to tell the story of how I wasn't supposed to be at Texas Tech.

"Okay, so lets begin." I started, carefully choosing my words as though not to disturb or aggregate Ja'Deion.

"My final three on signing day were Texas Tech, Colorado and UL Lafayette. About 2 days before signing day hit, I had made up my mind to go to Colorado. Then, outta the blue, Coach came and said if I came to Texas Tech I would never have to worry about money will I was here. When signing day came I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to Texas Tech, I still thought maybe going to Colorado would be better because I'd be the undisputed starter. I phoned Texas Tech and UL Lafayette to let them know I wouldn't sign with them. UL Lafayette was a little bit disappointed but Texas Tech, didn't give up. They asked me how much I wanted. I didn't know what to say. I just answered 'Sorry I'm not coming to Lubbock, you guys have a good day.' Then, 30 minutes before I was scheduled to make my decision, someone from Texas Tech handed me a $5000 check. He asked if I would reconsider. I then spent the next 29 and a half minutes in my room, thinking about the biggest decision of my life. I then convinced myself Texas Tech would be best for me. Even on stage I circled around the hats a few times, running any doubts through my mind on last time. I then picked up the Texas Tech hat and it was too late to change it. So then, I began my journey to Lubbock. And that's pretty much it."

Ja'Deion sat on the couch, with his jaw dropped looking start at me.

"So, what you gonna do now?" He asked when he had regained his ability to think.

"I'm gonna stay here. I committed to the Raiders and until I can't I'm gonna play with the Red Raiders." I answered while reaching for the TV remote.

"Texas forever?" He asked, copying Friday Night Lights the TV show.

"Texas forever."

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Count me in as a follower, glad you chose to come to Lubbock and be a Red Raider

Thanks, at first I was gonna go with Vanderbilt but then thought about those sick Red and Black unis

[RedRaider10]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Thanks, at first I was gonna go with Vanderbilt but then thought about those sick Red and Black unis

They are pretty slick, good luck!

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

They are pretty slick, good luck!

Same to you with your Raiders dynasty

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

Part 6:
August 30th,

It was half and hour before our first game, against the Central Arkansas Pirates, an FCS school. I knew that this game wasn't that important and it would be an easy win but I was still nervous. Adrenaline seems to constantly be in my veins. Coach came to my locker to give me a pre-game pep talk,

"How you hanging?" He asked, probably seeing my incredibly ghostlike face.

"I'm doing alright, a little nervous but I'll be okay." I answered thinking about the upcoming game.

"Okay, just calm down and you'll be alright" Coach answered calming my nerves.

"I know what I need to do. I'm just not sure I'll be able to do them successfully." I responded, looking for advice.

"I'm sure you'll be alright." He answered walking off to another player probably

"I hope your right." I muttered to myself

I put my earbuds in and listened to the greatest, Eminem. Normally I'm into country music but Eminem's lyrics are to good to deny.

"You better lose yourself in the music, the moment you better never let it go. You only got one shot do not miss your chance to go cause opportunity comes once in a lifetime."

Thank you for Eminem.

Ja'Deion walked up to my locker, motioning me to pull of my earbud.

"It's go time." He simply stated.

I rose from my locker and walked out into the tunnel. And before I would go back through that tunnel, I would show Lubbock what they wanted to see

[DrGravyBoat]

Re: It's Time- An RTG/CCM Story

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