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Aycock Defies Stereotypes

Tribune photo by CLIFF MCBRIDE

Aycock is one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation, with 18 scholarship offers.

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By NICK WILLIAMS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 8, 2008

TAMPA - Billy Turner's heart aches for his senior-to-be quarterback, Dontae Aycock.

The Chamberlain High football coach ponders how a 16-year-old in today's society can function without the presence of his parents.

Aycock's mother died when he was 9. His father lives in another state.

Aycock moved to Tampa two years ago to live in the home of his older brother, Detroit Lions veteran defensive back Dwight Smith, along with their sister and cousin.

Turner said he tries to keep Aycock as close to him as possible. He frequently invites him over for dinner, and if he had to, would bring Aycock into his home.

"It sort of defies the stereotype," Turner said. "He's well-mannered, behaves. Most kids like that are supposed to have all kinds of problems. Whatever went into developing his personality and work ethic, I'd love to can it and use it."

Yes, Turner is appreciative for the 5-foot-10, 210-pound athlete who led the team to the Class 5A region final in 2007. But recently, he's just thankful for the opportunities given to his star player.

Aycock is one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation, with 18 scholarship offers. Last season, he rushed for 1,101 yards with 22 touchdowns and threw for 941 yards and five TDs. Some programs are recruiting him as a running back, some as a quarterback. Others just want him as an athlete.

"To me, it doesn't matter what position I play," he said.

And while some high school athletes grow tired of the recruiting process, with phone calls, text messaging and the constant back-and-forth thoughts of which college is the best fit, for Aycock, his recruiting process shows him how special he really is.

"I hear a lot of things about getting recruited, but I'm really lucky," Aycock said.

Born in Atlanta, Aycock lived with his dad until he moved to Detroit, where he was forced to deal with the loss his mother at the age of 9. Soon after, Illinois became his new home, but it was short-lived. Before his sophomore year, he moved to Tampa.

Within the next year, he will decide on a new city to call home. The dual-threat quarterback has programs such as South Florida, Louisville, Arkansas and Kansas after him.

"The thing that makes Dontae a good prospect is he's so versatile," Turner said. "He can play linebacker, strong safety, fullback, running back and quarterback. By the time he's 19, 20 and 21, he's going to weigh about 220 pounds."

Turner said college coaches are more impressed with his attitude. Aycock takes pride in being humble.

"I try to present myself well," Aycock said. "Coaches say I'm a respectful kid."

Turner credits Smith's influence as a key factor in Aycock's behavior. "I think Dwight puts pressure on him to do the right thing," he said.

Even though life is different for Aycock and he's one of the more prized prospects, he hasn't changed who he is.

"I have to keep my head strong and don't get a big head," he said.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848 or nwilliams@tampatrib.com.

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