Emmanuel Moody - There Will Be A Day
Sunday, November 1, 2009 | Football
By Joshua Lentine, UF Communications
At one point or another, life will throw us a curveball and we all must learn that things do not always go according to plan.
Emmanuel Moody's collegiate career may not have begun the way he envisioned, but through trials and tribulations he has matured as a man and a football player.
“When you come out of high school, you are the guy,” he recalls. “For players who had schools all over the country recruiting them, it can take awhile to change that mind-set.”
So when the Coppell, Texas, native found himself at the University of Southern California, injured and competing with 10 other running backs for a starting position he held prior to being hurt, he sensed it was time for a change.
As is human nature, Moody wanted to be in an environment where he could reach his maximum potential.
“Eventually, I got a hold of Florida. I believed what Coach Meyer was telling me about the program and came out here to be part of the program. At the time, I was a little skeptical, because I didn't know much about Florida's history,” he says of the transfer, “Being from Texas, I only knew that the Gators and the Seminoles were not too fond of each other.”
Unfortunately for Gator fans, Moody was forced to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer regulations. Throughout the 2008 season, injuries often left him at less than 100 percent and limited his playing time.
Despite the restrictions, he still managed to get a taste of life in the Southeastern Conference. Moody led the team in rushing against two of Florida's biggest conference rivals: Tennessee and Georgia. In 10 games, he gained 424 yards on 58 carries and averaged 7.2 yards per carry; but the redshirt junior felt inclined to evaluate his situation once again.
However, this time he turned to his spiritual side for guidance.
“Going through all of this has changed my character in a big way. I've really had to grab onto and trust in my faith, because I would get frustrated to not have things go the way I planned,” he said.
During his reflection, Moody began to focus on the big picture. He understands that being on a winning team is far more important than putting up big numbers as an individual.
“When you play for the Gators, you have to be a team-first guy, because we have so much talent at all of our positions. Initially, I had high aspirations for myself, but my mind is in a good place right now. I'm really trying to help out the team. Coach Meyer preaches a lot about doing our job. My job is to make hard runs and make plays when I get the ball. From there, everything else will fall into place.”
Moody's team-oriented philosophy should not be mistaken for complacency. He most certainly wants to demonstrate to The Gator Nation exactly how talented he really is.
“I really feel like I can be used in any way the coaches want to use me. I have speed, power and vision, in addition to the ability to make people miss. I can catch a pass out of the backfield or on pass routes. Any way they need me to contribute, they can use me in that way.”
He most definitely takes advantage of the opportunities presented to him. So far in 2009, his 8.2 yards per carry is the highest on the team. His runs usually ignite the crowd in a cohesive yet enthusiastic chant of “Mooooo-dy,” which motivates him further.
“Florida fans are way more passionate and dedicated than fans at USC were. Fans out here are great; just look around The Swamp in the fourth quarter and you will see a packed stadium.”
Moody has found a home here in Gainesville, but he still knows that life may throw him a curveball from time to time. He is only trying to adhere to his faith and do his best when given the opportunities. Moody knows that being a team player will bring greater results than focusing on individual goals. His beliefs tell him that we will all be tested and tried over the course of our lives and we need to stay focused on what is most important to us.
When confronted with life's challenges, Moody provides a Bible passage familiar to him for inspiration: “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
-UF-
