Ju-Co to Big Show

By Jacob Sorenson

Not every star athlete has the dream beginnings to a career. College football itself relies upon high school and junior college talent to provide a depth worthy team, but many times those who originally could not make a division one impact right out of high school make their names known at the junior college level to get to the big show of the division one stage. There are many noteworthy names which we know to be the stars of our favorite teams. Any many rising stars who will certainly made their names known in years to come.

Devontae Booker

Devontae booker has led the Utah Utes the past few seasons and their run game has arguably never looked better. A very balanced offense relies on quarterback keepers, a heavy run game, and a mild pass game with a lot of trickery. As Travis Wilson rarely passes the ball over 30 attempts in a game, Devontae booker carries the ball anywhere between 20 to 35 times in a game. His 783 rushing yards and 8 TD, continued with 208 receiving yards on the season, demonstrate some of the potential of the once junior college standout. He will certainly have a future in the NFL.

When he first arrived at Utah his name wasn’t unknown. He had been recruited by other PAC-12 and Mountain west conference teams out of high school, however a low SAT score forced him to begin at a local American River College. His standout years at the college attracted further attention from division one programs and booker later settled on the choice of the University of Utah.

Booker in this the 2015 season has already made national headlines and is in contention for the Heisman trophy. As the steam engine for the Utah offense he is undoubtedly a power back with a speedy first steps and cut backs. His yards after contact lead the NCAA and he is certainly in contention for other awards. However, his power and speed combination is not what I admire most about the man, it’s his resiliency. As a junior college athlete his vision to make it to the next level just shows the importance of taking life in stride and setting motivational goals. We all face hard times, and booker is an example of persistence and success.

Nakita Lealao

Other junior college players currently aspire to make it to the next Level. A local product from my home town of Herriman, Nakita Lealao, is making strides at Laney College in Oakland California. Before his LDS mission he was getting a lot of national recognition but since his return home he has received attention from the likes of Fresno state who was first to offer a scholarship and also Colorado State has offered based on some sports sites. Other notable names looking at Lealao include Utah State, California, Arizona State, Illinois, and Utah. Certainly upon completion of this successful season there will be more to come for this champion athlete. His early college career has led to great run defense and passer pressure, during this 2015 season so far he has 3 sacks.

Lealao’s strength and desire to progress and learn the game of football has led him to this high point of his career. He isn’t done yet with so many goals yet to accomplish and this season is only half way over. What he will do next has potential to amaze and produce further scouting and scholarships. He is in the same situation as many other junior college players, and as they continue to impress, only more opportunities will come their way.

Blake Kemp

James Summers

The future of division one athletics sometimes does rest upon the shoulders of junior college transfers. In the case of East Carolina the beginning of the season led to scares and worries of where they would end up. An early injury to starting quarterback and early exit to transfer of another left the program utterly paralyzed. Luckily, Junior college transfer Blake Kemp stepped up this year for the pirates, and did so in fashion. Leading the pirates wire to wire in close games against a very powerful Florida team and also a very testy BYU team where he led stats with 371 passing yards and 2 touchdowns after not playing the majority of the first half behind fellow junior college quarterback James summers. The duo have split time throughout the season and are looking for further success as the year crosses its mid-point.

Alvin Kamara

        Alvin Kamara of Tennessee has seen back up reps to the starter Jalen Hurd. On 45 carries he has 255 yards and 3 TD on the year. His production provides a strong relief to Hurd and allows the Tennessee offense to open up the passing game. Much similar to the route of Devontae Booker, Alvin Kamara went to a local college of Hutchinson College after originally committing to Alabama.

Tony Bridges

        Tony Bridges from Ole Miss has also seen some action after being one of the top recruits in college football at the corner position. He has recorded 25 tackles and 1 INT during the year which came during the Alabama game in which ole miss pulled the upset once again. Bridges has been seeing more and more trust from the coaching staff as the season has progressed and he only adds to the stifling landshark defense by adding to great pass protection. He has time to grow into his role with the rebels and already has attention from NFL prospects.

Donald Gray

Donald Gray from Mississippi State was one of the nation’s top junior college prospects coming out of Copiah-Lincoln community college. His college highlights left SEC schools in awe but the hometown kid from Mississippi decided to stay within the state when college signing day came along. So far this year Gray has 208 yards receiving on only 8 catches. As a shorter wide receiver he normally takes roles in the slot, but his speed has been extremely impressive for the bulldogs. His 8 receptions have also led to two touchdowns on the year. Yet again the SEC showed its power in recruiting the nation’s best and he is certain to impress as a younger junior college transfer and 2 full years of eligibility following this one.

Cam Newton

There are names with big time pro careers who also previously fought through the ranks of a junior college. Cam Newton, starting quarterback of the Carolina panthers had to earn his way before eventually winning the Heisman trophy and a national championship at Auburn. Blinn College in Texas was a great stepping stone for Newton and his 6’ 5” frame. His agility, speed, and pocket presence allowed a field vision and arm that hadn’t been seen in college football since Vince Young led the Longhorns. The former number one pick in the NFL draft, Cam has been a center piece to the reconstructed Panthers offense. Newton has now led the Carolina Panthers to their first undefeated start through five games in years. They look to be playoff contenders for sure barring injuries.

The names of other junior college players who are now or previously making a name for themselves in the NFL may surprise you. With the likes of; Keyshawn Johnson, O.J. Simpson and Ron Yary. Numerous other former junior college stars have made their NFL mark or are currently doing so, including Larry Allen, Cortez Kennedy, Dick "Night Train" Lane, Warren Moon, Aaron Rodgers, and Roger Staubach. Kyle Long, Star Lotulelei of the Carolina Panthers who played his college ball at the University of Utah. Vikings wideout Cordarrelle Patterson, Jets Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, and Broncos defensive specialist Sylvester Williams. There are numerous standouts who took the process of learning the game, step-by-step. 

The junior college option is definitely a respectable option, and often times it produces the best of talent. Hard work not only pays off, but it becomes the stepping stones for future perfection. While sports cannot ever offer that perfection on a permanent basis, they provide these student athletes with the essential ingredients of success which they will use throughout life. We all can reach the Big Show and stages of our lives through hard work, and sometimes through taking extra steps that teach us essential life lessons.