University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Devine Detours
Dec 08, 2016 | Football
Brady overcomes odds to play for the Tigers.
*NOTE: This feature story on the Tigers senior defensive lineman Latarius Brady first appeared in the Oct. 29 Memphis Football GameDay Program vs. Tulsa.
"How far are you willing to go?"
It's a motivational saying used by many, including those in sports, for inspiration to push through and go further than seemed possible.
For University of Memphis redshirt senior Latarius Brady, it's become a life motto of sorts. The future kindergarten teacher is even willing to go that extra mile in preparing for his future profession, despite the optics looking a little odd and maybe even silly.
Yes, Brady admits he does it. Yes, the Tigers' big, hulking defensive lineman goes to Pinterest.com to explore ideas for use in the classroom.
"You can find everything on Pinterest," said Brady. "They have ideas for classrooms, games for kids to play. Pinterest has a lot of resource ideas to use in the classroom. It's a very useful website."
Ashlesha Lokhande, an academic counselor in the University's Center for Athletic Academic Services (CAAS), confirms the 6-foot-2, 280-pound Brady uses Pinterest.
"When he brings me his projects from school, the lesson plans he put together shows you his drive to be successful," said Lokhande. "He would even go on Pinterest – and a lot of guys don't go on Pinterest – to find examples to help him design his own lesson plans.
"To see a big football player going on Pinterest is kind of entertaining. He knows how to get the job done. No matter what Latarius decides to do, kindergarten teacher or coach, he will be successful. I can guarantee that."
But, there wasn't always a guarantee for Brady. To begin with, there was no guarantee that Brady would ever receive the opportunity to earn a college degree. That's where the first of his many obstacles, or divine detours, started.
A standout player at nearby East High School, Brady was a two-way performer at defensive tackle and tight end. In his final two seasons for the Mustangs, the all-region pick piled up 79 total tackles, including 46 solo stops. Brady also played basketball and was a member of East High School's 2011 state championship squad.
While still at East High School, Brady began eyeing want he wanted his future to be outside playing sports. Through a partnership between the school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Christ United Methodist Church, Brady and his football teammates volunteered time to read to schoolchildren and assist at elementary schools' field days.
It was Brady's volunteer work that impacted him and the course he envisioned for his life.
"They always asked for volunteers and I wanted to do it," said Brady. "I worked with kids at Christ United Methodist, and from that, I felt like I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I feel I can help change kids' lives."
But, his plans hit a barrier when his academic scores did not meet the standards for admission to the University of Memphis. Brady was a good student and worked hard in the classroom, but was unable to make the necessary ACT score.
Many, at this early point, would have given up. But, not Brady. His will was to push through and gain admittance to Memphis. Brady did this by writing a letter – or as he recalls it, his life story – to the University's Admissions Committee.
"Latarius wrote a letter stating that he was going to do everything he had to succeed in college," Lokhande said. "Our academic office received a copy of it, and I remember one part of his letter said, 'I want to do really well in school, so please help me.'"
Brady added, "It meant a lot to me to write the letter to get into school here because it was about my life. A lot of people didn't believe that I could be a student-athlete, that I couldn't do the college work. The letter I wrote was to let the University know I wasn't only wanting to play football, I also wanted an opportunity to earn a degree."
Brady was admitted, but then more obstacles hit that would have made others quit. As a freshman, Brady had to attend resource classes. All of his classes were closely monitored to make sure he was attending. He also had daily study hall hours and extra tutoring sessions.
Again, Brady did not give up. In fact, he embraced what seemed like roadblocks and ran over them like opposing offensive linemen. He earned Tiger 3.0 Club recognition both semesters of his freshman year, and by the end of that year, Brady was down to only two study hall sessions and one academic advisor meeting per week. It was an accomplishment in which Brady continues to take pride.
"I made a 3.0 GPA my freshman year," said Brady. "That was big for me to let them know I was able to do my work in the classroom, and that I wasn't just here for football."
Lokhande said, "He's taken care of his business academic-wise. We only have our academic meetings once a week now, but he's really good about coming by our office if he needs help. That's what I appreciate so much about Latarius.
"It's good that he checks in with us, but other than when he needs assistance, Latarius takes care of his classwork on his own. Since arriving at Memphis, he's done really well in his classes. He's been on the Tiger 3.0 Club list and Dean's List quite a few times."
With that behind Brady, the road for his future as a kindergarten teacher was set. Well, not yet.
As a result of his time commitments with football, Brady was unable to work in the necessary student teaching hours for an education degree. So, Brady pushed through to Plan No. 2.
"When he came to Memphis, Latarius wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, which he still wants to do," Lokhande said. "However, his schedule did not allow for him to play football and complete the mandatory student teaching portion of that major.
"So, we talked to the education department, and it provided another option for Latarius which was a physical education-teaching education degree. His dream is to work with inner-city kids at the kindergarten level, and he wants to use athletics and physical education as his avenue to reach them."
Brady's tweaked plan now involves earning his physical education-teaching education degree, and after graduation, enroll in Teach For America, where he will teach for two years in an low-income area public or public charter school.
"That's my plan," Brady said. "I don't mind having to change my major to fit my schedule with football now. But, my heart and my desire is to be with the kindergarten kids.
"Male teachers can have big impacts on young children. I can be there for them. I remember there were times in kindergarten when I was going things I shouldn't have, and I needed someone to lead me.
"God gave me the heart to be around kids. I'm comfortable with kids. They can be hyped all day, and I still love being around them. Teaching is the path God set for me."
On the field, Brady was on a roll. After redshirting his freshman campaign in 2012, the Memphis, Tenn., native saw action in the next 38-straight games. Brady was a member of the 2014 American Athletic Conference championship team and had been a part of Tigers squads that went to consecutive bowl games in 2014 and 2015.
Armed with three seasons of experience and new defensive coaches bringing an "attack-style" defense, Brady was poised for a great senior season in 2016. Then, another obstacle hit.
During the 2016 spring drills, Brady suffered an ACL injury. The average recovery time for an ACL injury is six months to a year, meaning Brady could miss his final season of college football. Having already used his redshirt year, his collegiate career would be over.
But, not Brady. He'd already pushed this far, why not a little further.
"Latarius showed a lot of grit and determination," said Larry Reynolds, an assistant athletic trainer. "He's a hard-working kid, but more than that, he's teachable. I don't think he doubted he was returning back to football, and that was key in his rehab."
In a recovery time rarely seen, Brady returned to the playing field in under six months, or according to Reynolds, two weeks ahead of schedule. His first game action was Memphis' Oct. 14 win at Tulane. While many credit Brady with his quick return, he praises others for helping him get back on the field.
"It was all God," Brady said. "At the time of the injury, I thought my senior season was over. I'd never had a major injury and surgery before. I had a lot of people supporting me and telling me I got time and keep my faith in God.
"My goal was to be back in five months, but because of how slow the process was going, I doubted if I would reach my goal. The training and rehab was tough every day, but I need to give a big shout-out to Larry. He kept me positive. He pushed me to the point where now I really appreciate all he did for me."
And, for his determination and efforts on and off the field, Brady was honored with the CAAS Achievement Award. The honor is awarded to a student-athlete who has overcome personal obstacles to perform well in college.
"It was a unanimous vote by our office for him to receive the honor this year," Lokhande said. "It wasn't just overcoming his academic obstacles, but also the injury he faced this past year.
"With that injury, he could have given up, but he still did well in school. The injury he suffered was a big deal for him because this was his last season of college football. But, Latarius never gave up. That's the type of person Latarius us. He has a lot of character."
But, until the actual presentation of the honor at the annual Paws and Claws celebration in August, Brady wasn't sure if he was getting the award.
"Over the past years, I've seen others get this award, and I went to Ash before this year's ceremony and told her, 'I know I'm getting it this year,'" Brady said. "She didn't say anything, and I thought everyone had given up on me again. So, I'm sitting at my table, and I'm listening to (CAAS Director) Bob (Baker) tell a story about this year's recipient, and as he goes on, I'm thinking that sounds a lot like my story."
It was Brady's story. A story of perseverance. A story of not giving up.
"How far are you willing to go?" As for Brady, everyone now knows he'll go the distance – and then some.
"How far are you willing to go?"
It's a motivational saying used by many, including those in sports, for inspiration to push through and go further than seemed possible.
For University of Memphis redshirt senior Latarius Brady, it's become a life motto of sorts. The future kindergarten teacher is even willing to go that extra mile in preparing for his future profession, despite the optics looking a little odd and maybe even silly.
Yes, Brady admits he does it. Yes, the Tigers' big, hulking defensive lineman goes to Pinterest.com to explore ideas for use in the classroom.
"You can find everything on Pinterest," said Brady. "They have ideas for classrooms, games for kids to play. Pinterest has a lot of resource ideas to use in the classroom. It's a very useful website."
Ashlesha Lokhande, an academic counselor in the University's Center for Athletic Academic Services (CAAS), confirms the 6-foot-2, 280-pound Brady uses Pinterest.
"When he brings me his projects from school, the lesson plans he put together shows you his drive to be successful," said Lokhande. "He would even go on Pinterest – and a lot of guys don't go on Pinterest – to find examples to help him design his own lesson plans.
"To see a big football player going on Pinterest is kind of entertaining. He knows how to get the job done. No matter what Latarius decides to do, kindergarten teacher or coach, he will be successful. I can guarantee that."
But, there wasn't always a guarantee for Brady. To begin with, there was no guarantee that Brady would ever receive the opportunity to earn a college degree. That's where the first of his many obstacles, or divine detours, started.
A standout player at nearby East High School, Brady was a two-way performer at defensive tackle and tight end. In his final two seasons for the Mustangs, the all-region pick piled up 79 total tackles, including 46 solo stops. Brady also played basketball and was a member of East High School's 2011 state championship squad.
While still at East High School, Brady began eyeing want he wanted his future to be outside playing sports. Through a partnership between the school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Christ United Methodist Church, Brady and his football teammates volunteered time to read to schoolchildren and assist at elementary schools' field days.
It was Brady's volunteer work that impacted him and the course he envisioned for his life.
"They always asked for volunteers and I wanted to do it," said Brady. "I worked with kids at Christ United Methodist, and from that, I felt like I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I feel I can help change kids' lives."
But, his plans hit a barrier when his academic scores did not meet the standards for admission to the University of Memphis. Brady was a good student and worked hard in the classroom, but was unable to make the necessary ACT score.
Many, at this early point, would have given up. But, not Brady. His will was to push through and gain admittance to Memphis. Brady did this by writing a letter – or as he recalls it, his life story – to the University's Admissions Committee.
"Latarius wrote a letter stating that he was going to do everything he had to succeed in college," Lokhande said. "Our academic office received a copy of it, and I remember one part of his letter said, 'I want to do really well in school, so please help me.'"
Brady added, "It meant a lot to me to write the letter to get into school here because it was about my life. A lot of people didn't believe that I could be a student-athlete, that I couldn't do the college work. The letter I wrote was to let the University know I wasn't only wanting to play football, I also wanted an opportunity to earn a degree."
Brady was admitted, but then more obstacles hit that would have made others quit. As a freshman, Brady had to attend resource classes. All of his classes were closely monitored to make sure he was attending. He also had daily study hall hours and extra tutoring sessions.
Again, Brady did not give up. In fact, he embraced what seemed like roadblocks and ran over them like opposing offensive linemen. He earned Tiger 3.0 Club recognition both semesters of his freshman year, and by the end of that year, Brady was down to only two study hall sessions and one academic advisor meeting per week. It was an accomplishment in which Brady continues to take pride.
"I made a 3.0 GPA my freshman year," said Brady. "That was big for me to let them know I was able to do my work in the classroom, and that I wasn't just here for football."
Lokhande said, "He's taken care of his business academic-wise. We only have our academic meetings once a week now, but he's really good about coming by our office if he needs help. That's what I appreciate so much about Latarius.
"It's good that he checks in with us, but other than when he needs assistance, Latarius takes care of his classwork on his own. Since arriving at Memphis, he's done really well in his classes. He's been on the Tiger 3.0 Club list and Dean's List quite a few times."
With that behind Brady, the road for his future as a kindergarten teacher was set. Well, not yet.
As a result of his time commitments with football, Brady was unable to work in the necessary student teaching hours for an education degree. So, Brady pushed through to Plan No. 2.
"When he came to Memphis, Latarius wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, which he still wants to do," Lokhande said. "However, his schedule did not allow for him to play football and complete the mandatory student teaching portion of that major.
"So, we talked to the education department, and it provided another option for Latarius which was a physical education-teaching education degree. His dream is to work with inner-city kids at the kindergarten level, and he wants to use athletics and physical education as his avenue to reach them."
Brady's tweaked plan now involves earning his physical education-teaching education degree, and after graduation, enroll in Teach For America, where he will teach for two years in an low-income area public or public charter school.
"That's my plan," Brady said. "I don't mind having to change my major to fit my schedule with football now. But, my heart and my desire is to be with the kindergarten kids.
"Male teachers can have big impacts on young children. I can be there for them. I remember there were times in kindergarten when I was going things I shouldn't have, and I needed someone to lead me.
"God gave me the heart to be around kids. I'm comfortable with kids. They can be hyped all day, and I still love being around them. Teaching is the path God set for me."
On the field, Brady was on a roll. After redshirting his freshman campaign in 2012, the Memphis, Tenn., native saw action in the next 38-straight games. Brady was a member of the 2014 American Athletic Conference championship team and had been a part of Tigers squads that went to consecutive bowl games in 2014 and 2015.
Armed with three seasons of experience and new defensive coaches bringing an "attack-style" defense, Brady was poised for a great senior season in 2016. Then, another obstacle hit.
During the 2016 spring drills, Brady suffered an ACL injury. The average recovery time for an ACL injury is six months to a year, meaning Brady could miss his final season of college football. Having already used his redshirt year, his collegiate career would be over.
But, not Brady. He'd already pushed this far, why not a little further.
"Latarius showed a lot of grit and determination," said Larry Reynolds, an assistant athletic trainer. "He's a hard-working kid, but more than that, he's teachable. I don't think he doubted he was returning back to football, and that was key in his rehab."
In a recovery time rarely seen, Brady returned to the playing field in under six months, or according to Reynolds, two weeks ahead of schedule. His first game action was Memphis' Oct. 14 win at Tulane. While many credit Brady with his quick return, he praises others for helping him get back on the field.
"It was all God," Brady said. "At the time of the injury, I thought my senior season was over. I'd never had a major injury and surgery before. I had a lot of people supporting me and telling me I got time and keep my faith in God.
"My goal was to be back in five months, but because of how slow the process was going, I doubted if I would reach my goal. The training and rehab was tough every day, but I need to give a big shout-out to Larry. He kept me positive. He pushed me to the point where now I really appreciate all he did for me."
And, for his determination and efforts on and off the field, Brady was honored with the CAAS Achievement Award. The honor is awarded to a student-athlete who has overcome personal obstacles to perform well in college.
"It was a unanimous vote by our office for him to receive the honor this year," Lokhande said. "It wasn't just overcoming his academic obstacles, but also the injury he faced this past year.
"With that injury, he could have given up, but he still did well in school. The injury he suffered was a big deal for him because this was his last season of college football. But, Latarius never gave up. That's the type of person Latarius us. He has a lot of character."
But, until the actual presentation of the honor at the annual Paws and Claws celebration in August, Brady wasn't sure if he was getting the award.
"Over the past years, I've seen others get this award, and I went to Ash before this year's ceremony and told her, 'I know I'm getting it this year,'" Brady said. "She didn't say anything, and I thought everyone had given up on me again. So, I'm sitting at my table, and I'm listening to (CAAS Director) Bob (Baker) tell a story about this year's recipient, and as he goes on, I'm thinking that sounds a lot like my story."
It was Brady's story. A story of perseverance. A story of not giving up.
"How far are you willing to go?" As for Brady, everyone now knows he'll go the distance – and then some.
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