Never Left Me (Completed)

Two

2014: September, Fall Semester

It's only been a few weeks into the semester, yet it feels like it's been forever. The layer of freshman excitement has already wiped off for Genesis. To him, it's time to get serious and remain as focused as possible.

It's hard with so many distractions whether that's parties, events, girls, alcohol, and drugs that this campus offers plenty of. He's already seen people miss more classes then they should or drop them completely. College is easy to get lost in considering no one's babying you. That's the only thing his high school teachers were right about. Other than that, it's pretty chill.

Entering the Fouts Field facilities he walks down the hallway with his Nike backpack on his back. His coach asked to speak to him, so that's where he's headed.

Knocking on the Linebacker coaches office door he waits for a response then enters. "Have a seat," his coach says while maneuvering around his office to get something off his printer. Gee removes his backpack and sits wondering what this is about.

Playing NCAA division 1 football was always the goal and he did it. After countless college visits, conversations with coaches, and putting his best foot forward in all his high school games, Gee was recruited. He had a couple options for colleges, but he felt this was the best fit and opportunity for him to excel.

So far they've only played one game of the season, but he thinks he's on the right path. He feels like he can balance collegiate athletics with his academics based on how it's going already. He's still getting adjusted to balancing practice and studying, but he'll get the hang of it. It would be a lie to say it's no different then what he's been doing his whole life. Now he's in a new state alone. There's no one to remind him to do his homework, turn something in, make sure he eats, make sure he's on time, or drop him off. He's an adult now.

"I need to talk to you before the second game," his coach groans while flopping into his desk chair. "I've been weighing options and thinking... I feel it would be best if you redshirt your freshman year, Genesis."

He knows what redshirting means, but all he wants to know is 'Why?'

He doesn't have an injury that requires recovery. It's not for academic reasons. He met all the strict admissions requirements from the NCAA. He had a great GPA that beyond exceeded the required 2.3 to get in. He didn't need to take extra credit hours to meet the academic standards either. Gee is very smart, always has been.

"It would be a voluntary redshirt. The team has too many players on your particular position," he begins explaining. "I have to let the upperclassmen showcase their skills first, especially the ones who want to enter the draft. In this case, that will lead you to being stuck on the backburner and spending a season on the bench. Instead of wasting a year of your eligibility, we think you should redshirt. It's your choice..."

"Uh," Gee's honestly at a loss for words. "If I say no?"

His coach moves his head side to side then sits forward. "If you redshirt you can spend this year working towards increasing size, strength, and stamina. Also to learn the team playbook. Obviously, we run more complex formations and executions in comparison to high school. It gives you time to physically and mentally mature." The coach can see Gee's facial expression isn't one of happiness. "Don't worry, Wilson. We plan on using you as a starter... later in your career. Next year. Redshirting means you can play for the full four years instead of three."

Gee scratches his head. Who said he's staying for all four years, let alone five? If he plans on graduating in four years, he loses a season if he redshirts for a year. He won't get to maximize all four years of eligibility.