My First Day

My first day back on the field since the Georgia Southern game felt really good. For the first time in a very long time, I had butterflies before I started practice. This was my first real test since I had my injury and I didn’t know how well my knee would hold up.

Within seconds, I felt alive being out there. My confidence came back as soon as I put my helmet on. I didn’t realize how much I missed the little things that go into getting prepared for this game. While I was out with my injury, I had the chance to realize how much I really love playing football and how passionate I am about what I love to do. I am so thankful to have this opportunity and blessed to have the ability to play this great game at the collegiate level. I realize now that I took football for granted and I forgot how fast it could all be taken away from you. In the past, ACL injuries would be career-ending, but technology has changed a lot and now I have the opportunity to play my senior year “between the hedges”.

Sitting back and watching 11 on 11 drills, I truly believe that this team will be great. We have a lot of young talent and a lot of guys that want to be great. Former NFL player and coaching great, Tony Dungy, spoke to us and talked about doing things uncommon. Our team is a collection of uncommon men working toward a common goal—having the best season that we can. I believe in the coaches at UGA and what they stand for. To win a championship, a team must be hitting on all cylinders. Watching the first day of practice, I see we have chemistry and the guys are buying into the system. I’m excited about our team’s potential and can’t wait to see how the rest of spring practice goes.