Glutton

September 11th, 2009 at 2:17 PM ^

Fantastic article. For all the haters that say Rich Rod has not family values, read this. Glad to see these kids with their backs against the wall getting a chance to make it, and hopefully complete the circle by bringing something back to Pahokee.

strafe

September 11th, 2009 at 2:22 PM ^

A good article from the Daily? I had to see it to believe it, but I have to admit that it seems like it provides a good look at the sort of background some of our athletes are coming from. Really well done.

JewofM

September 11th, 2009 at 2:23 PM ^

Pahokee sounds like South Central LA. I am glad some of the kids are getting out and having a chance at something better. I am especially proud that U of M is recruiting them and able to help.

MH20

September 11th, 2009 at 2:31 PM ^

Fantastic article. I'm not going to lie, parts of that article had me choking back a bit.

I truly hope these kids get everything possible out of their time at Michigan (both on and off the field) and make a better life for their families.

Blue in Yarmouth

September 11th, 2009 at 2:36 PM ^

and best of luck to our boys from the Pahokee. They have overcome some serious adversity to egt to where they are today so I will be cheering for them especially from now on. Great young men!

shoes untied

September 11th, 2009 at 2:46 PM ^

This is a fantastic article. The writer is one of few I like from the daily. Then again, I have a bias for the fact that he graduated from my high school the year before me. Great Work Andy!

Jimmy Ballgame

September 11th, 2009 at 3:05 PM ^

It's great to see that the boys from Pahokee have taken advantage of one of the few opportunities that they were given. I'm looking forward to watching these guys over the next few years!

Rizzo

September 11th, 2009 at 3:08 PM ^

"...and when Rodriguez met him, he ruffled Tyrone Jr.’s hair a little, smiled and joked, “Is he the next Vincent Smith? We might as well give him a scholarship already.”

It was a small gesture, but in Pahokee...it means a lot to see a coach who genuinely cares about the kids."

To hell with anyone who thinks Rich Rod doesn't care about his players.

bdubya

September 11th, 2009 at 3:29 PM ^

Great article. I'm just curious about something. Hawthorne was promised the number 7 for the player that was killed. What would the coaches have done if the player had worn number 1 and Brandin wanted to wear it in his honor? That's a pretty special gesture, would they have told him no?

MH20

September 11th, 2009 at 3:54 PM ^

I would think the coaching staff would have to make this known to the general masses, lest they get restless. I, for one, did not know that Hawthorne's choice of number was a tribute to a fallen friend and teammate until I read this article.

StephenRKass

September 11th, 2009 at 4:02 PM ^

The challenges these kids face are incredible. A world so many of us don't understand in the least. The more I get to know about RR, the more pleased I am. Thank you so much for posting this. This kind of fluff I can read anytime.

tomhagan

September 11th, 2009 at 5:11 PM ^

Great piece...well written and insightful... impressive for a college newspaper...

Its what R---berg should be doing, now that he is getting paid...but he doesnt have the balls, talent or insight to write it...

A Case of Blue

September 11th, 2009 at 9:08 PM ^

What an article.

I haven't been to Pahokee, but I've been through Belle Glade, and I really can't put into words what a shock it was to know that there are places like that in this country in this day and age. I've spent a fair amount of time in Central America, and that's what Belle Glade resembled.

If you want to know more about what life in Pahokee is like, there's a video done by Damon Weaver (the little kid who's interviewed Biden, Obama, Dwyane Wade, and a lot of other people) that ran on 20/20 and talks a lot about his hometown and how it's been affected by gun violence. It's eye-opening. You can watch the full thing here: http://jezebel.com/5210039/damon-weaver-child-reporter-heartbreaker

tmiller

September 11th, 2009 at 11:44 PM ^

I heard that they had it bad down there, but damn that is crazy. Makes me appreciate those guys more. Especially Hawthorne and Smith for getting it done to enroll early.