By Tevita Fehoko, Contributing Writer

As the Hilltoppers blazed past the WVIAC conference in 2009 with an 11 – 2 record overall, Kevon Calhoun was more than just a contribution to the success. He rushed for 1,529 yards and scored a conference best of 26 touchdowns, which earned the Don Hansen Football Gazette honorable mention All – American, and 1st team all – WVIAC. His physical, yet smooth style on the gridiron has earned his teammates respect.

Coming up from the concrete of Rockville, Maryland, can define why he is the person he is today especially when competition amongst all the neighborhood boys meant business when you delivered the “business” and became “the man.” Calhoun said, “I can remember growing up playing football in the street all day every day, especially during the summer. The place where I grew up was very competitive amongst the boys in the neighborhood as far as sports go, and to be recognized as one of the better athletes meant a lot.” It goes to show how competitive nature can possibly be labeled as a “learned behavior,” and growing up in a competitive environment can either bring out the “wolf” or the “lamb.” On another note, it is a privilege to be looked up to as a role model within the community. He also said, “Once I started getting support from the community it was like they made me a role model for the kids younger than me.”

A humble, but deadly athlete that possesses this type of work ethic is bound for success. His work ethic is definitely a trait which was passed down to him by his mother and sisters, who have inspired him enough to plant that positive seed and put him in a high level. A mother who expects more than mediocrity should not be taken lightly, but appreciated. Calhoun said, “My biggest inspiration is my mother and sisters, which I call my “L.O.M.L’s. This means ladies/loves of my life, which is tattooed on my forearm. My mother has the biggest impact on my work ethic in the classroom, because she does not allow poor performance in the classroom.” This would definitely reveal why he runs so hard and is so effective with his 7 yards per carry average a game this year alone. Calhoun added,“The game itself motivates me, but I also would love to play in the next level, so that motivates me as well.” His potential to be even better, even though he has credibility to show that including stats, can skyrocket and possibly take him right into the next level. When it came to “how an individual looked” he stated “ I am a person who believes if you look good then you play good, but it is not always the case for everybody. It is actually a self – esteem thing.”

Kevon favored athlete Reggie Bush during his days at USC, and he used to watch films on Walter Payton. It is actually effective when taking notes and watching film on veterans such as Walter Payton, because his legacy still lives on through his game play, rest in peace.

If fans remember or take a look at Kevon’s style of game play, he runs hard and hits the hole like a linebacker which can cause problems for the opponent’s defense. As a teammate, you actually knew what to expect from him on the field and that was hard work and a great performance.

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