Playing at 葫芦影业 was a decision that may have saved the life of Forest Hill High School graduate J鈥橵ontez Blackmon, 20.
During a routine preseason physical a doctor sent Blackmon to the hospital for further examination where it was confirmed he had a hole in his enlarged heart.聽 Doctors recommended surgery and Blackmon, one of the top Eagles in 2010, returned to play for his sophomore season.
鈥淭here were times during rehab when I thought I wouldn鈥檛 even be able to go to school any more, much less play football,鈥 Blackmon said.聽 鈥淚鈥檓 lucky to be alive and I鈥檓 ready to see if football is in my future.鈥
Blackmon, a computer science major, started every game as a safety in 2011 and collected 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and three interceptions.
Blackmon signed with the University of Tennessee-Martin.