Devon Atkinson On Comeback Trail
MADISON- After 14 months, Devon Atkinson is ready for his comeback in high school football.
“I’m hungry to play. To win,” said Atkinson.
After suffering a torn ACL and meniscus of his right knee on July 21, 2016, Atkinson missed his entire junior season for the James Clemens Jets. He was primed for a superb year after being a second-team All-State selection as a sophomore by posting 1,360 yards rushing and scoring 10 touchdowns. But that all ended during play with friends in preparation for a 7 on 7 tournament on the hot summer July day over a year ago.
“I ran a route and made a sharp cut and I heard a couple pops and my knee just didn’t feel right,” said Atkinson of his injury. “It didn’t hurt so I kept playing, but my knee felt funny.”
Upon arising the next morning his right knee had swollen so large he was unable bend his leg. He was quickly ushered to an orthopedic surgeon and underwent surgery two days later. Upon his recovery, which included countless hours of physical therapy and weight training, Atkinson was finally cleared to resume play just prior to the 2017 spring game versus Decatur.
In the spring game, Atkinson showed some of his old-self by scoring two touchdowns, including one of 65 yards where he used his swift speed and cutting ability to avoid the would-be tacklers and, as he put it, “Took it to the house.”
“After that night I felt I was back,” said Atkinson, son of Mari Lopez-Foley. “Going into the 2017 season there is no pain associated with the knee as I wear a knee brace to help protect my knee. I actually feel faster and stronger now.”
Over the course of the year away from the game, Atkinson lost nearly 30 pounds. He now stands 5-foot-6 and tips the scales at 170 pounds. His determination to be back at full force and make a difference for his team weighs much more than any scale could measure. During his recovery he felt out of place and spent nights feeling scared that he would not be able to play again. He even broke down in tears fretting over what kind of future was coming his way.
“My mother told me God had a plan for me,” said the 18-year old Atkinson. “I believe God’s plan for me is to continue to play football, go to college through football and earn my college degree.”
“He has overcome a great deal of adversity to get to this new season,” said Wade Waldrop head coach of James Clemens. “We are glad he is healthy and expect him to have a great season for us.”
Atkinson has two younger brothers and one sister and carries a 3.2 GPA. Prior to his injury in 2016, he was beginning to catch the attention of many college programs as each viewed a speedy talent with some raw size who could maneuver his way through defenses almost at will. Some of the schools which made a play for his interest included Purdue, Kentucky, Navy, Georgia Southern and several smaller schools. All of the interest ended at the sound of a snap.
“Yes, the schools stopped calling after my injury and I’m hoping to have one more impressive season to try and gain back some of that interest,” said Atkinson. “As for our team this year, some people think we won’t be as good as last year’s squad since we lost some key players to graduation, but I think we may be even better.”
The speedy running back who has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40 and is the third fastest player on the team had pushed hard in making his return to the playing field. He has dedicated his season to his grandmother who is battling her second round at breast cancer and has never seen him play. Recent chemotherapy procedures kept his grandmother from making the trip to Madison from her home in North Carolina. Atkinson is not sure if she will make any game this season to see him play. He is saddened of the thought, but, like his return to play, is keeping positive and will play his senior season in her honor.
As long as Atkinson has the hunger to succeed, so will the 2017 version of the Jets.
