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The University of Mississippi Athletics
SPOTLIGHT: He's Back
9/6/2011 | Football
Sept. 6, 2011
By Morgan Adams
Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations
Football is composed of once in a lifetime moments that inspire and encourage. Moments that brings fans to their feet and leaves them breathless. It is a perfectly thrown spiral that lands effortlessly into the hands of a wide receiver, a defensive block that stops the opposing team dead in their tracks and an extra point kick that's good with five seconds left on the clock. These moments make football. Players only get one shot at glory; second chances are rare. They have to play every moment like it could be their last. No one knows this concept better than Ole Miss defensive end Kentrell Lockett.
Lockett was in the beginning of his senior year in 2010, when he suffered a season ending knee injury against Fresno State. The torn ACL took Lockett off the field, possibly forever. With one blow, Lockett's passions and dreams were ripped away, leaving his future in football hanging by a thread.
The Hahnville, La., native was a leader, mentor and team captain. Lockett was accustomed to running, hitting and blocking, but now all he could do was sit and watch his senior year pass by. Even though it was nerve racking and tough to witness his fellow teammates competing without him, Lockett continued to offer support and guidance from the sidelines. He waited for news from the NCAA on whether he would be granted a second chance at his senior season, a chance that seemed unlikely.
"I need football, it is what makes me whole and gives me that extra pep in my step," Lockett said.
In March of this year during spring practice, Lockett received the news he had been longing for. The NCAA granted him another year of eligibility to play. Lockett received a second chance at a game built around once in a lifetime moments.
"This is something I love to do and now I am blessed enough to be able to return, make a difference and do better," Lockett said. "I am really excited. I have been truly blessed."
Lockett said he plans on making the most of his opportunity to be back playing the game he loves.
"I'm going to do the things I didn't get to do last year. I am going to interact with the fans in the grove more. I am going to do more and enjoy it more than I ever have," he said.
During his absence from the field Lockett had plenty of time to think about his performance. He worked hard during physical rehab and is returning to the field in excellent shape both physically and mentally. His strategies have changed and he is ready to beat his opponents' one play at a time.
"Now I'm in the mindset that I am just going to come out and play ball. If I focus on huge goals, I miss out on the small things that make the game. I am going to embrace every play like it's my last play," Lockett said.
Now that Lockett is back on the field, his presence is sure to encourage and lead the younger players on the team. He is honored to be considered a leader and is taking the role very seriously. Lockett received a second chance at living out his dream. Even when his chances looked grim and hope was out of reach, he never gave up. He kept believing, working and striving. Lockett worked out and prepared for his second chance even when he was certain it wouldn't happen. He never settled, never backed down and never lost his faith. Lockett is ready to take advantage of his second chance and prove he deserved it. Are you ready?
