Markihe Anderson - Leading By Example
Sunday, November 1, 2009 | Football
By: Daniel Beach, UF Communications
There is an old adage which says, “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.”
Senior cornerback Markihe Anderson's time at the University of Florida is a clear illustration of this statement. As a sophomore in 2007, he was in line to become a defensive starter before sustaining an injury to his medial collateral ligament a week before the season opener. Three weeks after the initial injury, he injured his posterior collateral ligament in the same knee during the Tennessee game, but not before intercepting a pass during the 59-20 victory over the Vols.
“I went down right before the season and missed the first two games, but got back for the Tennessee game,” the Fort Myers native said. “I was feeling okay, playing in a brace and I picked off a pass - which was one of the best moments of my life. Then, two or three series later, I went down again with an injury to the same knee.”
“After the injury, I was down on myself at first. I was unable to play and do the things that I normally could do. It was a tough road back and I leaned on the people around me for support,” Anderson admitted.
“My Mom, God, family and friends - who are always there to help me both on and off the field no matter what - were there to help get me back to where I needed to be.”
So far this season, Anderson has backed up two outstanding Gator cornerbacks, sophomore Janoris Jenkins and junior Joe Haden. Anderson harbors no resentment to the starters in front of him and has nothing but respect for the younger players.
“You can't take anything away from those two guys,” Anderson said. “Everybody has their different attributes and strengths on this team. I'm so close to those guys, that I'm just hoping the best for them. Whenever I get an opportunity, I just want to give it my all and make the best of it.”
On a team as stockpiled with talent as this year's edition of the Florida Gators, Anderson not only has to battle the other cornerbacks for playing time, but also faces additional competition from Florida's three talented safeties.
“Right now, it's a rotation-type deal in the secondary,” he explained. “Wherever I can fit in on this defense, that's what I try to do. Whatever I'm asked to do, I give it my best.”
Anderson understands his role on the team and accepts it for what it is.
“This is my last go-round and I just want to fit in and help this team win,” the fourth-year Gator said. “Right now, my role is to keep the other guys focused. I sometimes see the younger guys drop their heads a bit and it's my job to keep them positive. I've needed to keep myself positive going through injuries and what not. I've experienced what they are going through and I do my best to help them through it.”
Anderson does not want his injuries and misfortunes to define his playing career. He does not like to look back and ask himself 'What could have been?' but rather gives thanks to those that helped him through the tough times.
Anderson especially finds inspiration from a close family member. “My little brother (Mark) now lives here in Gainesville with me. He is my inspiration because I really want to be successful for him. It doesn't matter how I play, he is going to be there for me. He just wants his big brother to do his best.”
Markihe Anderson's resolve and ability to focus on the positives are an overlooked part of the much glorified 2006 recruiting class which has already captured a pair of SEC and National Titles. While he does not receive the same amount of publicity as some of his other classmates, Anderson's contributions to the team should not be disregarded.
His ability to bounce back from the levels of adversity that have been thrown his way should be a shining example to Gators present and future. Right now, his only goal is to help the team return to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta: “Whatever I can do to help the team, no matter what role, I'm going to give it my all.”
-UF-
