Made Me a Leader: Coker makes most of new opportunity at Hampton

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.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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