Josh touched on rookie Onterio McCalebb in an earlier post moving from running back to corner. He also talked about just how fast the guy is (ran an unofficial 4.21 40). What he didn't talk about was the path McCalebb took to get to the Bengals.
Joe Reedy details a troubled upbringing McCalebb experienced in his path to the NFL.
McCalebb grew up in a small town in Florida living in a trailer with his mom and 4 siblings. His mother struggled with drugs so he and his siblings were taken from her and placed with his grandmother. This was only temporary. When the living arrangements with his grandmother failed to work out he bounced around from living with friends and teammates to even spending time living on the streets.
Using his speed, he was a three time state champion in track and an outstanding football player. Outstanding enough that Auburn was interested in his services. However, he did not qualify academically.
In prep school McCalebb was coached by current UC defensive ends coach Robert Prunty. Prunty had the following to say about Onterio:
"He knew why he was there, and he became more spiritual. He is the fastest player I have ever coached, but the biggest thing I wanted to develop with him was mental toughness."
A feel good story and the kind of kid you just want to succeed. I envison the Bengals taking a long look at the kid as a kick returner. A small running back with that kind of speed could translate well in that phase of the game.