Have you ever had a desire to do something great with your life and discovered no one else would give you an opportunity? You discovered that those in your life did not think much of your skills and abilities. If so, you are in very good company.
The three  most dominant players in college football this year were Auburn QB Cam Newton, Stanford QB Andrew Luck, and Auburn DT Nick Fairley. After Auburn won the national championship earlier this week, I thought it would be interesting to go back and see what the “experts” thought of these players prior to the start of the season. Each of these comments come from the Sporting News College Football Yearbook.
Cam Newton – “Four Auburn quarterbacks battled for the starting job in the spring, but it appears that former junior college player Cameron Newton is the leader. After leaving Florida amid criminal charges for allegedly stealing a laptop, Newton successfully started over at Blinn (Texas) College with almost 3,000 yards passing and a combined 38 touchdowns rushing and passing last season.Â
The former five-star recruit from Atlanta seems tailored for Malzahn’s spread offense because of his athleticism and 6-6 frame. “He wants to be a leader, and that’s something we need at that position,” Fannin says.”
Not bad, but not a ringing endorsement.
Andrew Luck was called by Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, “the greatest prospect I’ve ever seen”. Before deciding to return for another year of college, Luck was the consensus first pick in the NFL Draft. The Sporting News had Stanford rated the 7th best team in the Pac 10 and Luck was not mentioned on any of the pre-season All-American teams.
“Andrew Luck is only a sophomore, but he’s one of the best QBs in the country (2,575 yards, 13 TDs, 4 INTs last year).” That’s it – 24 words written about the best prospect some have ever seen.
At least that’s better Nick Fairley got. Fairley was listed as a back-up and did not have one word written about him.
Here’s the application: If no one believes in you or you feel unappreciated, take comfort. The three most dominant players in college football this year were largely overlooked heading into the season. I want to leave you with the following Bible verse:
Romans 4:17 “God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.” As a Christian, you are never without options! You are never without hope or opportunity! Your career, that you think is dormant or without hope, has the chance to go to unprecedented heights this year.
If you are doing the right things daily and continuing to develop your skills, you are already a success. It just hasn’t shown up yet…..but maybe like Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Nick Fairley, it will any day now.
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