A Journey Marked by Change
My path as a student-athlete wasn’t a straight line. I started my college football career at Clemson University, transferred to Appalachian State University, and later graduated from Lipscomb University. At the time, those transitions felt like a series of tough turns—new teams, new systems, and new challenges at every stop. Looking back, though, I realize those experiences gave me one of the most important qualities you can carry in life: grit.
Moving through three universities taught me how to adapt, how to stay resilient when things don’t go as planned, and how to find success in places I didn’t expect. That grit has stayed with me well beyond the football field and has become the foundation for how I lead in business and in life.
Learning to Start Over
One of the hardest parts of transferring schools was starting over again and again. At Clemson, I was a wide-eyed freshman stepping into one of the most competitive football environments in the country. By the time I transferred to Appalachian State, I had to prove myself all over again—new coaches, new teammates, and a completely different playbook. Then, after my playing career, finishing my degree at Lipscomb University meant adapting once more, this time without football as the centerpiece of my identity.
Each move came with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. But in those moments, I learned how to let go of comfort zones and embrace change. That ability to reset, to show up and work hard regardless of the circumstances, has been a powerful tool in my professional career.
Resilience Under Pressure
Football is a game of pressure, and college football takes that pressure to another level. Whether it was competing for playing time, adjusting to new systems, or dealing with setbacks, I was constantly challenged to either break down or push through.
When I reflect on those years, I don’t just remember the wins or highlights—I remember the times I had to dig deep when things weren’t going my way. I had to learn to keep working even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. That kind of resilience is what carries you through not just sports, but life. In the business world, it’s the same: things don’t always go according to plan, but grit means you keep moving forward anyway.
The Value of Adaptability
Adapting to different environments is one of the most underrated skills you can have. At Clemson, the program was defined by intensity and high expectations. At Appalachian State, the culture was different—just as competitive, but with its own rhythm and style. Lipscomb gave me yet another perspective, where academics and personal growth took center stage as I finished my degree.
Every stop forced me to adjust my approach. I learned that success isn’t about sticking rigidly to one formula—it’s about being flexible enough to meet the moment. Whether in sports, business, or family life, adaptability is what allows you to thrive in changing circumstances.
Building Relationships Everywhere You Go
One of the best lessons I took from playing for three universities is the value of relationships. Every new school gave me the opportunity to connect with new teammates, coaches, and mentors. Those relationships helped me grow as a player, but more importantly, they helped me grow as a person.
In business, the same rule applies. People matter. Teams succeed when relationships are built on trust and respect. By learning how to connect with new groups over and over again, I developed the ability to walk into any room and find common ground—a skill that serves me every day as CEO of Mid South Wound LLC.
Grit Beyond the Field
When my playing days ended, the lessons didn’t stop. Earning my BBA from Lipscomb University in 2007 was an important milestone, but it was the grit I had built along the way that gave me the strength to transition from athlete to professional.
Today, as I lead Mid South Wound, I see the same challenges I once faced on the field—uncertainty, competition, pressure, and change. And just like in football, the people who succeed aren’t always the most talented—they’re the ones who stay focused, adapt to the situation, and refuse to give up. That’s grit, and it’s transferable to every area of life.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Now, as a father of four, I see my son Cash chasing his own football dreams. He’s already showing promise on the field, and I often remind him that while talent matters, grit will carry him further. I tell him the same lessons I had to learn: you may not always control the circumstances, but you can always control your effort and attitude.
Watching him play reminds me that the true legacy of the game isn’t just about wins—it’s about the character it builds. If I can pass that lesson on to him and my other children, then the challenges I faced along the way were worth it.
Final Thoughts
Transferring schools three times wasn’t the easiest path, but it was the path that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. Football may have been the setting, but the lessons went far beyond the game.
Today, whether I’m leading my company, raising my kids, or facing new challenges, I carry with me the same grit that once got me through tough practices, unfamiliar playbooks, and high-pressure games. Success isn’t about a straight path—it’s about staying strong, flexible, and committed no matter where life takes you.
That’s what playing for three universities taught me. And that’s the grit I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.