Linwood grad catches on as Rutgers wideout
Underwood returns to school for motivational talk with students
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

JENNIFER AMATO Lucky Number 7: Tiquan Underwood, a Rutgers University football player and former Linwood Middle School student, visited North Brunswick on May 10 to talk about the important relationship between athletics and academics.

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Linwood Middle School scored a touchdown on May 10 as Rutgers football player Tiquan Underwood visited to speak to student athletes about academics, respect, time balancing, decision making and goal setting.

As part of a program sponsored by Rutgers, in which members of the football team visit middle schools to project the importance of scholarly achievements in addition to their feats on the athletic field, former Linwood student Underwood, a sophomore wide receiver for the team, came to share his personal experiences in the classroom and on the field.

Underwood said that growing up he only wanted to play sports, first playing Pop Warner under the direction of his uncle. However, he didn't start to concentrate on football until high school. He soon realized that a college would not accept him on his physical talents alone, so he chose to do well academically. He warned the students about not giving in to the pressure of gangs or other peer-pressured situations, but instead to stay dedicated to their goals.

"If I didn't do well in school and practiced hard, like I said, I wouldn't be in front of you wearing this jersey and speaking to you," he said.

The New Brunswick native said that middle school students need to do well in school because of the importance of high school grades, beginning as early as freshman year. Since ninth grade offers new faces, new friends and a new atmosphere, it's the perfect time to make a fresh start. It is also time to focus, especially since college is expensive, and he himself was awarded a four-year full-ride scholarship to Rutgers.

"Who here wouldn't want to go to college for free?" he said.

He spoke of the necessity of managing time properly. The night before a game day, the team sleeps at a hotel to remove themselves from campus pressure. The following morning for a 2 p.m. kickoff, for example, they wake up around 7 a.m. and have a team breakfast. They can either attend a chapel service or relax at the hotel, usually watching ESPN for previews of the game. Around 10:30 a.m. there is another team gathering and then around noon they leave the hotel. They collectively warm up inside, stretching and sweating to prepare for the game. Afterward, pending a victory, Underwood said there are various parties to attend on campus.

During the spring semester, breakfast is at 7 a.m., tutoring sessions are from 9 to 10 a.m., class is until 11:40, lifting is for two hours after lunch and study hall is at some point during the day, usually before a night class. Freshmen are required to have 10 hours of study hall, sophomores eight, juniors six, but seniors with a 3.0 grade-point average or higher are exempt.

"What they ask of you is pretty demanding, but they're preparing you for the real world. You have to balance your time, and don't procrastinate," he said.

He also mentioned the lessons taught by coach Greg Schiano, who strives to make his team members people of high character as well as talented players.

"You can't be a football player forever, and athletics don't last forever, but being a respectable young man lasts a lifetime," Underwood said.

No. 7 added how the bond of everyone dealing with life together helps the team cope together with their stressors.

"When you're a teammate, you have a special bond because they're the people you grind with every day. You bleed with them, you sweat with them, so it makes it that more special," he said. "It's going to be fun, but it's going to be challenging along the way. That's what life is about - accepting challenges and making the best of it."

He also addressed the female athletes, advising them to respect themselves while not limiting themselves.

"Don't let people tell you what you can do or what you can't do because you're a female. You probably have to work twice as hard as a male to get respect … but put your mind to it and don't limit yourself," he said. Citing this year's Final Four women's basketball team, he added, "Even college-level female athletics don't get respect, but I admire them for what they do."

Speaking more specifically to issues related to his football career, Underwood described Heisman candidate running back Ray Rice as being the team clown, although he is extremely humble, and said he admires recently graduated fullback Brian Leonard for remaining true to his character despite signing a $1.5 million signing bonus with an NFL team.

"You can't let money change you," Underwood cautioned.

He also described the team's nationally televised home victory against then-undefeated Louisville as being the most fun he had all season.

"The feeling, I can't even explain. It was like a dream come true. … It was unbelievable to see all the fans, all the support we got. It was very special. I will remember that the rest of my life, most definitely."

With dreams of going to the National Football League, Underwood understands that only time will tell his future.