Remember Zeke Pike?

Submitted by pdgoblue25 on

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/12/26/zeke-pike-auburn-tigers-louisville-cardinals

I found this article on SI.com today.  Apparently the former QB target, and the butt of several jokes, has been to hell and back

I always enjoy updates on former recruits.  I'm sure many of you, like me, have had addiction affect your family.  Considering this is a redemption story I thought it was worth sharing.  I did a site search, and I did not see this previously posted.

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ken725

December 27th, 2016 at 11:54 AM ^

Magnus, do you remember that QB recruit that was from CA who was born or who's family was from Norway? I just remember initially he was hyped as a top recruit, but as that cycle went on he just kept dropping and dropping in the rankings. I think he was moved from QB to TE and eventually committed to Nebraska.

Joined: 10/26/2008

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Magnus

December 27th, 2016 at 12:30 PM ^

Yeah, as mentioned above, that was Kevin Dillman. He was more of just a good athlete rather than a great QB. It didn't help that he transferred to Denton (TX) Guyer, where he was behind Shawn Robinson (TCU commit, #115 overall and the #5 dual-threat QB in 2017). Robinson has since transferred to DeSoto, and Dillman's now a defensive end at North Texas.

Joined: 07/17/2008

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Laser Wolf

December 27th, 2016 at 10:25 AM ^

Good for Zeke. Remember him as a recruit and had no idea he had fallen on such hard times. Not everyone gets more than one chance and always glad to see someone seize the opportunity.

Joined: 07/09/2008

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mongoose0614

December 27th, 2016 at 10:32 AM ^

That situation scares the hell out of me.  It is right to do what they did but can you imagine the guilt if he was able to kill himself or put himself into a situation where he was killed or committed a felony that left him incarcerated for a very long time. 

I wish that on no one. 

On another note which is not intended to be judgmental but I wish he would wait more than 30 days to start a "ministry".  Let your life develop.  This is only the beginning.  Help others and surround yourself with the right people but your story has only begun.  Don't set yourself up to be taken down again when you are just a babe in the walk.  He has just now put himself in the public eye and he will have to meet his demons again.  

I wish him well and hope he can have the impact that he wants to.

Joined: 01/12/2009

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74polSKA

December 27th, 2016 at 11:28 AM ^

I can see your point about his ministry, but as Christians we are called to do all things in God's power and for His glory. As a recovering addict, I can say that any time I think I can do things in my own power I will fail. I think that's where a lot of ministries fail. It doesn't matter how long you've been in ministry. When you begin taking the credit for what's been accomplished, you're starting down a dangerous road.

Joined: 05/25/2011

MGoPoints: 8261

VictorValiant

December 27th, 2016 at 12:57 PM ^

I understand your point. To have credibility as a ministry/business/person, you have to have some track record of success and Pike doesn't have that yet. However, like the article mentioned, this is a way of him keeping accountabilty for himself too, so this might be exactly what he needs to do for himself and help others at the same time. He has to start somehwere and I applaud him for finding purpose.

Joined: 07/01/2008

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74polSKA

December 27th, 2016 at 2:29 PM ^

I got your point and I think you missed mine. I believe there is no set amount of time needed to start a ministry if you are doing it in God's power. To illustrate my point, after Saul's encounter on the road to Damascus, he was healed, baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. Then "... Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God." Acts 9:19-20. Paul didn't delay to prepare his ministry before going out and spreading the Gospel to the known world.

Joined: 05/25/2011

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MaizeAndBlueWahoo

December 27th, 2016 at 2:47 PM ^

What would one do to build up credibility, evidence, etc.?  He does have six months of leading bible study in prison, which isn't exactly a lifetime, but it's something.  Right now, around his hometown and among the people he's targeting, he's still Zeke Pike, the high school football star, which is about as credible a title as there is in some places.  Ten years from now, he might be Zeke Pike, the real estate agent or Zeke, the grocery bagger, and credibility as a voice people know would be shot.

Ultimately, if one is a recovering addict, one must have a purpose in life, or else slip back into the void.  If he's found his, then it's working.

Joined: 07/02/2008

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mongoose0614

December 27th, 2016 at 3:30 PM ^

There is a difference between starting a ministry and doing ministry.  Being available and sharing your story is vastly different.  I am not saying to "hide your light under the bushel basket" but there is a battle hardening and maturation process that needs to take place.  When you set out on that mission you need to be lead and discipled yourself.  

I have seen many flames snuffed out early because they misinterpreted passion for wisdom.

I don't know much about his support group and such but often it is better to learn under a different ministry that does what he does.  I know of several in my area that would welcome him and guide him.  

I hope he does great things with his platform.  I just think it is a shame when guys get taken out because they were not ready.

Joined: 01/12/2009

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You Only Live Twice

December 27th, 2016 at 10:44 AM ^

First I've ever heard of this.  What a wrenching story.  Not really a "happy" ending, but a good hopeful ending anyway.  

Joined: 09/14/2013

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BoFlex

December 27th, 2016 at 12:02 PM ^

Zeke Pike was like Michigan's top QB target in 2012, and had like a gazillion offers. I believe in the initial rankings for the cycle, all the services had him as a consensus 5-star. It was mainly due to his size, pedigree and rocket arm. There was a lot hype surrounding him in the beginning, but sort of died down after a lackluster senior season and suspension due to disciplinary issues. At the end of the day, Zeke decided to commit to Auburn over Michigan, Clemson, Arkansas, Tennessee, Purdue, UNC and UGA.

Joined: 05/30/2011

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Danwillhor

December 27th, 2016 at 12:07 PM ^

but Xanax are evil. I've heard many addicts (sadly a ton in SE MI) that got hooked on both heroin and xanax claim that it's the xanax that is scarier to detox from. A woman I know works at a local rehab and says the success rate is lowest with xanax as detox can involve seizures, psychosis, hallucinations, etc. She's seen people not sleep for 2 weeks. Not a wink. She says almost nobody is at risk to die from opiate withdrawal and she mainly deals with opiate addicts. They just have to go through the worst flu they've ever had for 20-30 days. Xanax withdrawal can supposedly last months and can be violent to the point of death so they have to be weaned off or heavily monitored. She actully thinks is as big an issue as heroin.

Joined: 12/02/2008

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Mr. Yost

December 27th, 2016 at 4:10 PM ^

Also remember David Cornwell? Went to Bama. He's transferring.

 

That said, thanks for sharing this story. Very moving, sad, scary. But I'm glad he's doing something positive in life.

Joined: 07/25/2011

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