Chapter 11

We pass the UCC locker room as we head back to change. I can hear the guys goofing around. Singing. Shouting. Getting psyched for the big game against the Bears tomorrow.

Calvin and I head into the locker room down the hall. It’s just the two of us in there.

“Well,” Calvin says, sounding optimistic. “We made it on the field.”

“We did,” I say.

I don’t feel as sure as Calvin sounds like he is. It makes me nervous that the coaches had really been watching the whole time. Like we were doing something wrong.

“Now we just have to stand out on Sunday. Show them that we’re serious.”

Mr. Henry is waiting for us outside the locker room.

“You both looked good out there,” he says. “But I’m going to be honest with you, Coach Washington has his eyes on two other recruits. I think you made an impression, but you’re going to have to shine on Sunday. Prove that you have what it takes. You aren’t there yet.”

“I got taken down,” I say.

“Yes, you did,” Mr. Henry says. “But that guy is the fastest running back in the league. Legs, they call him.”

“What year is he?” I ask

“A freshman,” Mr. Henry replies casually.

I nod at this. I don’t know how much playing time I’d get if I’m up against a guy named Legs.

Mr. Henry seems to know what I’m thinking. “You were fast,” he says to me, “but not fast enough.”

I feel as if there is a stone in my throat. It’s making it very hard to swallow.

“But don’t worry,” Mr. Henry continues. “We all like how you throw. The problem with guys who’ve played quarterback all through high school is they’ve already developed bad habits and stubbornly try to keep them. But you’ve got great accuracy and can learn from the best. You and Calvin out there together make a good team.”

But I’m a running back, I think. That’s what I love.