HAMPTON, Va. - The element of surprise was nowhere to be found within Phillip Fulmer's office as LaMarcus Coker sat before his coach.
Just six days earlier, the sophomore running back returned a kickoff 37 yards late in the fourth quarter to position Tennessee for a game-tying field goal against South Carolina. Back in Fulmer's office, Coker glanced over at the time, closed his eyes and tried to envision his last time running through the "T" minutes before Saturday's kickoff.
Coker's inability to follow provisions that resulted from off-the-field issues finally caught up to him.
"It was 3:42 (p.m.)," said Coker, recalling the events from the day that has been etched into his memory. "When I walked out of the stadium, I knew that was my last game in Tennessee. I get kind of emotional thinking about it."
Fast forward two years, as Coker, one of Hampton University's 10 senior captains, leans back in his seat chatting with teammates before the start of last Friday's meeting. Leaving his front-row chair to retrieve a stack of papers from coach Donovan Rose, the first-time leader distributes the itinerary for Saturday's "game day" against Florida A&M. The next day, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference leading rusher would finish with 50 yards, putting him 31 yards shy of 1,000 yards with a game left.
Being front and center both on and off the field is a new perspective for the former Antioch High School football and track star.
"One day (during the summer) he stood up and said 'Coach Rose made me a leader'. I have never been in that position," Rose said.
"No one has ever told me, 'You're the leader or you're the captain,' " Coker said "It feels good. But at the same time, that is what I'm supposed to be doing. If that's what I did at Tennessee, I would have never dealt with those issues."
The recurring problems at UT over almost two seasons involved multiple suspensions and missed counseling session for his failed drug tests, which ultimately lead to his dismissal.
From his dorm room near Neyland Stadium, Coker, who had rushed for 865 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games, dealt with the task of ignoring 100,000-plus roaring fans during the remaining four home games. Free and quality surround sound echoed off the walls, signaling a Tennessee touchdown or big play. The cheers continued to pour in, further compounding the fact that his former team would have to move on.
"I took a lot for granted," said Coker, who transferred to Hampton and was able to play right away because the historically black college is in the Football Championship Subdivision. "When I started having my success at Tennessee, I thought that was it. I'm about to go win the Heisman and win a championship. I thought I was untouchable."
The same could likely be said for the three UT freshman who were arrested last Thursday. Wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson, safety Janzen Jackson and defensive back Mike Edwards were charged with attempted armed robbery. Once the news hit mainstream, Coker's phone was flooded with calls and texts messages concerning the issue.
"I just started thinking about the time when I left (Tennessee) and how they feel and how embarrassed their family is right now and everything I put my family through," Coker said, before passing along advice. "I feel sorry for them. But if football is what they love, then do whatever it takes to keep playing. Handle the problem head on, accept the consequences, and just see where they can go from there."
Coker would know.
With his experiences at UT playing a close backseat role, the Pirates' leading rusher over the last two seasons has thrived in his new role.
Coker says his position at Hampton is not a second chance, but "the way it was supposed to go, the route God ordained for me to take." With one game remaining Saturday against Morgan State, Coker has utilized this opportunity to conclude what he started four years ago. Playing in the NFL certainly remains a realistic possibility, as his coaches and teammates marvel at his playmaking ability.
"We all feed off of Coker and his passion for the game," said Pirates' starting quarterback Herbert Bynes. "He has been a big key to our success."
Added Rose: "He is electrifying. If Coker gets out into the open space, watch out! He's going to go do something with the ball in his hands."
Upon leaving Hampton, Coker will have the ability to do more than carry a ball in his hands. After this semester, only 12 credits remain in his psychology curriculum before he can grab his degree in May, something he and his coach agree is the biggest accomplishment of all.
"I feel like I can take this as far as I want to take it just as long as I keep doing the right things," Coker said. "... It's been hard. And it's not over. And the NFL is not guaranteed.
But I wouldn't change anything."
Shemar Woods is a freelance contributor.
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Comments » 45
AceVentura writes:
I was just looking at his stats earlier today. Not bad.
bluetick writes:
Good article. Nice to know he straightened up. Wish he would have realized that while at UT. We've lost so many great players and especially RB's that it's sick! Hope he makes it to the NFL afterall. Good Luck!
Volsforbetterorforworse writes:
Good to see even though this kid didn't pan out as a Vol he is succeeding with his second chance. Always thought he was going to be great, just wish it would have been for the Vols. Keep up the good work young man, you are a truly feel good story.
orangeblood8456 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
hindsight is 20/20.... but if you can learn from someone elses mistakes, you've gotten your lesson free. Wish more kids would see what happens when you blow your big chance in life.
give_him_6 writes:
Thanks LaMarcus for the words of wisdom. You've come a long way. Good luck in the future. I hope to see you in the NFL.
chucker6 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
desfpvol13 writes:
Well gee I dont know...maybe the kind that always has a plan--whether we understand it or not. Why, what kind do you believe in?
Nice story. Great to hear Coker's doing so well. Hope the NFL works out for him.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
It's more of an issue of belief system. Coker believes anything that happens is God's will. Fatalistic really. Many Christians take the view that we are responsible for decisions and much of human suffering does not arise from God's doing, rather stupid human decisions and the influence of spiritual evil (devil, etc.) Ultimately, I agree with the latter view but am glad that Lamarcus has gotten on the right path and has respect towards God.
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
Sometimes God sits back and let you kick yourself own butt often enough to realize it's painful and there's an alternative to the avenue of stupidity you traveling.
Suggestion: be less judgmental and try to be happy when some kid finally gets their head screwed on right. The path to that might not be the one you'd take personally but it's good when the bad is dumped. Acting like a spoiled, pouting person presuming a mythological self-righteous attitude suggests you may need some head screwing on right yourself.
The kid was D U M B in his choices of behavior. Hopefully he really has learned to be less dumb and make something positive of his life. Hopefully, we can learn to rejoice when a seemingly dead end kid finds his way out of the maze of ridiculous stupidity. He has more to learn, obvious from his not a 2nd chance comment but at least he seems to have learned enough to understand changing his behavior can result is on and off field success, kid seems to have even found God. What about you?
xvolx writes:
let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Madkels writes:
Great story and good lesson for all. It would be nice if Kiffin would have Coker come back to UT next fall and give a speech to the incoming freshman. To bad the pellet gun trio didn't hear it this year but I hope they can learn from his experience.
Wii60 writes:
This is a reminder that the last bunch of coaches were just as tough as the current bunch.
SmokeyHound writes:
that a way to preach chucker!
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Way to go LaMarcus. You will always be Vol......
FEARinSEC writes:
Or how about God let him know that there will be consequences for his actions and was gracious enough to let Coker carry on and learn from his bad decisions??
We all have the freedom to live our life like we want to, but sometimes God steps in and changes our direction. God will turn bad things into good, agree??
Mr_Brownstone writes:
After this semester, only 12 credits remain in his psychology curriculum before he can grab his degree in May, something he and his coach agree is the biggest accomplishment of all.
that's awesome!
arkyvol writes:
it never ceases to amaze me that the football coaching staff has apparently never thought about strolling over to coach summitt's office for some good advise about how to handle student-athletes.
martinvol34 writes:
The God that any faith-filled believer does. A God that forgives and provides second chances for those who accept His grace and mercy. You should try it!
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Ouch...
Glad to see Coker doing well.
GerryOP writes:
God has a plan for everyone. It is up to us to follow it. God bless and God speed Mr. Coker.
tennesseebee writes:
Well said, Witchy. However, I'm sure some readers will not realize your familiarity with this particular herb is based exclusively in a medicinal capacity.
rockytop4ever writes:
It is good to see a person make the most of their 2nd chance. Too many time we see it go the other way. I just hope we are sitting here in a few years reading similar articles about the 3 from last week.
Go Vols! Beat Vandy!
Brillovol writes:
I think you're looking in the wrong direction. The only supernatual being that would tell you to cause pain, death, and destruction would be the great deceiver himself.
Congrats, Coker. I can only hope that the players involved in the recent incedents come out of their experiences the same way you did. God bless!
letshave1more writes:
Seems like some/most players that get in trouble feel the heat before they see the light!
Good luck to you young man!!
BamaVol01 writes:
Added Rose: "He is electrifying. If Coker gets out into the open space, watch out! He's going to go do something with the ball in his hands."
I remember several runs as a VOL where this was true. Glad to see he is doing well and has his life straightened out. Best of luck to you LC!
Ayres_Hall writes:
Good for him... but he is not a Vol. He said so himself. Stupid mistakes cost him that honor but it sounds as through he has learned and is now a better person. But not a Vol.
leedsvol2007 writes:
Coker had that special ability like Charlie Garner speed, elusiveness, hands.
Had he stayed clean he might have been a Heisman candidate and a coaching change may not have been made.
I'm glad he was able to get himself on path.
vol88 writes:
Glad to see a follow-up on him. Glad he's put his problems behind him.
agarn59 writes:
Results still inconclusive?
UTfan4life2 writes:
Really glad to hear, Lamarcus was always one of my favorites on the team. Great player ,definatly NFL talent.
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
Strange "god" you have to ASK you to fly into a building.
The one I spoke I said sometimes LET you kick your own rear until you figure out it isn't such a cool activity.
I guess the lucky one are those who can learn from their mistakes (or at least read).
Fryinpansvols writes:
When I first saw highlights of Lamarcus Cokers it was when he was in high school at Antioch the same high school my dad graduated and it was aired on the local Nashville News Stations. This kid did whatever he wanted and carrier his team on his small frame. Then when he signed with UT I thought hey we got ourselves a very talented back that has a lot of speed. But you could tell from the get go that Coker was in Fulmers dog house and something was not right. I told several fellow UT fans this kid has Reggie Bush type of talent however, he was not getting the playing time because of this inner quarrel. You would see the flashes of God Given talent through his kick returns or the trick play in the Florida Game in 2006 when he caught a touchdown pass and ran away from defenders. But then it was all thrown away because he wanted to smoke some weed. I'm glad he has finally gotten his act together I just wish he would have done it sooner.
Fryinpansvols writes:
Correction it was in 2007 against Georgia when the trick play when Lucas Taylor threw the ball to a wide open Lamarcus Coker.
nocleats writes:
It would have been nice if he said, " I am sorry to my teamates at Tennessee, who trusted me and I let down" To my coaches who invested their time an lives into mine that I let down and embarassed. To my university and its students and alumni who I let down. " But that aint how you roll is it G ?
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
He may have apologized when it first happened...I don't remember. But we wouldn't know what he said to the coaches or team at the time.
Proud of you, LaMarcus, for being humble, teachable, and usable after your failure. We look forward to following you in the future. I like the idea of you coming back to talk to future freshmen classes. There's nothing like a personal story face to face. God bless!
REVOL writes:
We have all made bad choices in our lives (sometimes others know about them, sometimes only we and God know)and it often takes having to face the consequences of those choices to turn us around. I am glad to see that LaMarcus has matured and with the help of God,set himself on the right path.
Go Vols! Beat Vandy!
dowhatsright writes:
I agree 100%. I appreciate fans who have class no matter what school they are from and dislike classless fans even if they are from UT. I'm glad the UT fans posting here have class. I met LaMarcus Dad and he is a very nice guy and had nothing but good things to say about UT. In fact, we watched a UT game together this year.
BluezVol writes:
Wasn't he the 2nd all time leading rusher in high school football history?
feathersax writes:
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
LiveFaith writes:
Sometimes it takes some kids to catch on. Unfortunately for LC and our own recent BB Gun Burger Capers the results of immaturity can be terminal.
I wish him the best and thanks for the memories. Especially the LT to LC trick play TDs against our biggest rivals.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
According to the article and the memories of many on here, Coker and several others had MANY more chances to get it right than this staff seems to have allowed. The previous staff let guys like Coker hang around long enough to possibly convince others that they could get away with a lot of nonsense that eventually caught up with them, too. This staff doesn't seem to play that way.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
For one thing, what makes you think they haven't? Summit, Pearl, and Kiffin seem at least to think very highly of each other. For another, anyone will tell you that guys are just WAY more hard-headed about INSISTING on doing things their way, no matter the consequences. They aren't NEARLY as good at learning from the mistakes of others as women are. Guys just think they won't get caught...until they ARE, and then it is often too late.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Maybe in Tennessee. You just wouldn't believe what the all-time national record is, somewhere around 10,000 yards in a career, IIRC. I'm sure some one on here will look it up. There was a guy from near where I live now in Greensboro, NC, who is finishing up an injury-marred career at NC State, Toney Baker, who held it at one time, or was very close to it. The guy had something like 25 games of over 300 yards--nearly a dozen of those over 400--rushing in his HS career.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
BTW, congrats to Coker for getting control of his life. WAY better late than never. I'm sure many of us have shaken our heads and wondered what could have been.
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