“Character is who you are when no one else is watching.”

Yesterday we wrote about the situation Aquille Carr, a Top 50 basketball recruit from the Class of 2013, is in and how it may negatively affect his future as a basketball player. Today, we want to get back on a positive note and talk about the inspirational speech by Denard Robinson at the 2012 Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon.

Denard “Shoelace” Robinson was raised in a poor neighborhood in Deerfield Beach, Florida. When he was growing up, he was so embarrassed of where he was from that he held “recruiting visits at (his) grandparents’ house” so that college coaches wouldn’t see his neighborhood. He also shared the fact that he lost his brother when he was 10 years old and that, when he graduates, he will be the first person in his family to ever graduate from a four-year college.

He didn’t dwell on his background though because, as he put it, the theme of the speech was “choices,” not obstacles or excuses.

While he talked about his road to Michigan, the Big Ten and the podium where he was standing to deliver the speech, he explained that, over time, he became more comfortable with where he was from and even began to look at it as a source of pride. What he may not have realized was that the tone of the inspirational speech by Denard Robinson mirrored his life’s story.

As he spoke, he became more and more comfortable and even threw in a few jokes directed at himself and his coach. He was growing more confident on the stage as he was speaking about growing more confident in where he was from and how he was “blessed” to be in the position he was in at Michigan.

Being on that stage to headline the 2012 Big Ten luncheon is probably more than Shoelace could have ever imagined. Where can you see yourself four or five years from today? Watch the video below and think about whether your story is going to be as impressive as the inspirational speech by Denard Robinson.

 

Here are some of our favorite quotes from the speech:

• It’s easy to do the wrong things but “it’s tougher to do the right things.”
• “What made it possible were my two parents, who had nothing and gave everything… (and) the coaches, the teachers and everyone else who unselfishly gave themselves so I, like many, could have choices.”
• “Those teammates were my brothers and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
• “We don’t only represent ourselves; we represent our schools and each other.”
• “I was told I was too short. I was told I couldn’t make it at a school like Michigan. I have been told many things, but my choice not to take the easy way out has led me to play for the University of Michigan and set college football records.”
• “I used to be so self conscious of where I came from but today I realize I’m blessed and I embrace it.”
• “I met the President of the United States. I met Lebron James. And they both knew who is was!”

When Shoelace was in high school at Deerfield Beech and then Miramar, do you think he knew President Obama and Lebron would ever have any idea who he was? Probably not. But he made an effort to make the right choices and it led him become the Heisman candidate and household name that he currently is.

College coaches are looking for players that stand out on the field and off the field. One of the things that they always tell us is that we should not have to point out the player we are trying to show them because they will see him/her. The real prospect will stand out on his/her own. Think about that not only when you step onto the practice field this year but when you step into the classroom. And remember this quote from the inspirational speech by Denard Robinson:

“It’s okay to work hard. It’s okay to be uncommon.”