Menu
I knew joining Liberty University would change my life, but the experience has far exceeded my expectations.
My college journey took me from a wide-eyed freshman wide receiver in Colorado to a tight end leading Liberty to FBS success.
Adjusting to such drastic changes wasn’t always easy.
I started my collegiate career in Colorado, but after my freshman campaign, I felt like I needed a change, you know?
I remembered the conversations I had with Liberty during my initial recruitment process. Even though I ultimately chose Colorado, they let me know they were happy for me and would be there if I ever wanted to make a move.
I appreciated that love and respect and felt like transferring would be good for me on and off the field.
And so I did.
Due to the transfer rules, I had to sit out my first year at Liberty.
And redshirting year one was rough.
I got a lot of training done, and it was helpful to watch the game closely, but not playing was tough.
Heading into 2019, I slimmed down because our coach wanted me to lose weight before the start of the season.
I got my weight down, and then suddenly, our coach announced he was leaving us.
And when Coach Freeze came in, the narrative changed again for me.
He wanted me to bulk up and change position. Now, I needed to play tight end — a position I had never played before.
But I kept an open mind.
I wanted to make it work, and after talking to Coach Freeze about how I’d be utilized, I was all-in.
I came this far and have gone through so much.
Changing schools, redshirting, changing coaches; what was one more change? One more challenge? Playing tight end, bring it on.
I had to go back into the weight room and bulk up.
I was a bit too small to play tight end and had to get bigger.
I was in the film room, studying how I needed to play. Techniques for blocking, routes I had to run — I was locked in.
All my hard work paid off when I scored my first career touchdown during our bowl game against Georgia Southern. It was a 57-yard TD reception to start the game.
It was an incredible feeling. It felt like I could exhale in jubilation as I helped lead my team to a 23-16 win. It was the culmination of a lifelong journey in the sport.
I made it. I was home at Liberty, making big plays in big games.
And in 2020, another change came my way.
We had a new quarterback in Malik Willis. So, again, I had to adjust. The chemistry between a quarterback and his tight end is crucial.
Fortunately, Malik made this a great and easy transition. He’s an incredible QB, and we’ve been in perfect symmetry from the jump. It’s been such a joy to grow and play with him, and I expect that he will be playing at the next level when his time comes.
Going through all these changes, all the ups and downs during my collegiate life, I feel like it’s better prepared me for life after school, too.
Honestly, I’m ready for whatever.
I’ve made big decisions and had to stay committed even when circumstances changed. I’ve adjusted to new roles and new leaders.
These aren’t just good skills for football; these are good skills for life.
Because of these experiences, I’ve become a much more calm person when things don’t go as planned. I can constantly adjust and excel in any and every environment.
Fortunately, Malik made this a great and easy transition. He’s an incredible QB, and we’ve been in perfect symmetry from the jump. It’s been such a joy to grow and play with him, and I expect that he will be playing at the next level when his time comes.
Playing here is like being a kid again.
It sparked the same type of joy I had when I was just a kid playing football for the first time. Back when I didn’t have responsibilities, just playing carefree football, running around, and making plays.
That’s why I give it my all every time I put on my jersey. Playing here doesn’t feel like work; it feels like joy. I just hope it comes out with my performance.
This is my last year playing college football, so I’m focused on finishing strong and leading this team into a new era. Despite being near the end, facing another change soon, I still have so much to give. I take tremendous pride in what I’ve done here and how far we’ve come since 2019, but I’m not done. We aren’t done.
We want more victories, more memories, and another bowl win.
So, let’s finish strong.
Share Story:
