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Gonzalez's Influence Is Felt All Over

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By JOEY JOHNSTON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 16, 2008

For West Virginia University senior wide receiver Tito Gonzales, a former Blake High standout, this season represents a major opportunity.

After the departure of Darius Reynaud - and the hint of adding more passing to a traditionally run-oriented offense - the Mountaineers are seeking a playmaking pass-catcher.

It could be Gonzales, one of the team's best blockers, who had 10 receptions for 219 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. With the departure of Coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan, the new staff has tweaked the offense's terminology and philosophy.

"My role is going to increase, and it's up to me to take advantage of that chance," he said.

Gonzales already has exploited his off-field opportunities.

He is a second-semester graduate student, scheduled to receive his master's degree in special education. He had a 3.86 grade-point average while earning an undergraduate degree in athletic coaching education.

Recently, he was nominated for the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, which spotlights players who are active in community service. University of South Florida defensive end George Selvie also was nominated.

How does Gonzales give back?

•Described by West Virginia officials as "the spiritual leader of the team," Gonzales is a regular speaker at Morgantown churches and youth groups.

•He was the keynote speaker during an annual Black History program at the FBI Center in Clarksburg, W.Va.

•He has been a regular speaker at schools, delivering the message of education and staying away from drugs and alcohol.

•He has visited the Boys and Girls Clubs, while also participating in a Christmas shopping program for underprivileged children.

"There are no professional sports teams in this state, so kids look at West Virginia football players as the equivalent of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Gonzales said. "We have a lot of influence. Whatever we say, whatever we do, kids are going to notice. Why not use that influence for the good?

"It's not that I have done all these great things in my life. But I have always tried to do the right thing, and not take the easy way out. I think that's important for kids."

Gonzales has learned that first-hand.

Growing up in the Grant Park section of Tampa, Gonzales said he was surrounded by crime and drug abuse. Without the guidance of his mother, Dorothy Brown, and older brother Johnny Young, Gonzales said he easily could have gone the wrong way.

But he never did.

"The kids I grew up with, many are incarcerated, some are dead," Gonzales said. "Many of them didn't have a father or any positive male role model in their lives. I'm so grateful for my brother, because he taught me you can earn a living the right way, without the police looking over your shoulder.

"And my mother, she was the ideal mother. She made sacrifices for us, and I never wanted to let her down in any way. I wanted to make her proud."

Gonzales said he has matured at West Virginia, which provided a less hectic atmosphere, free of distractions and temptations. Education was paramount. He knew earning a degree was his priority because of football's fleeting nature.

Now he has one wish.

"Winning it all," he said. "We came close last season missing the BCS Championship Game after a 13-9 home loss to Pittsburgh. But we're not living in the past. We're looking forward to the future."

Gonzales already has circled Dec. 6 on his calendar. That's when the USF Bulls come to Morgantown for a game that could decide the Big East Conference championship. Gonzales' team has twice lost to USF, which he said didn't recruit him until late in the signing process.

"When I come home, I hear it from a lot of people: 'How'd y'all let USF beat you?'" Gonzales said. "At the end of the day, they did beat us. But we had a good season. And I can always pull out my Fiesta Bowl ring.

"I'm pretty sure when we play USF, we won't have trouble finding any motivation. I know I won't. And it will be my last game in Morgantown, so I want it to be special."

If you ask West Virginia's coaches and fans, Gonzales' off-field impact already has been special enough.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be

reached at (813) 259-7353

or jjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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