The athletic center was buzzing when I got there right at 4. Players were streaming into Coach Rivera's office, and the energy felt different than usual. More serious, more focused.
Tyler Brooks was already there when I walked in, along with Cameron and about twenty other players. Coach Rivera was standing at the front of the room with a stack of papers and that expression he got when he was about to drop important news.
"Alright, gentlemen," Coach Rivera said once everyone was seated. "I called this meeting because we got some developments that are gonna shape our season and your individual futures."
He started pacing in front of us, the way he did when he was thinking through strategy.
"First thing - we got twelve incoming freshmen joining us for summer workouts next week. Eight of them are invited transfers from other prep schools and elite middle school programs. Four are walk-ons from the local area who think they can earn spots."
Tyler leaned back in his chair with confidence. As someone with offers from Stanford and USC, incoming freshmen weren't a threat to him - they were an opportunity to show leadership.
"Why I'm telling you this is because we need to set the right example. These kids been training all spring while looking up to programs like ours. They hungry, they talented, and they're gonna be watching how we carry ourselves."
Coach Rivera paused to let that sink in.
"Right now, we got varsity and JV. But depending on how this season goes, the administration is considering major expansion. If we prove we can compete nationally, they'll fund a three-team structure - National, Junior National, and State level teams."
The room perked up. That kind of expansion would mean more opportunities for everyone.
"We're already playing a national schedule this year. Games against IMG Academy, St. John Bosco, DeMatha - the best programs in the country. The question is: can we compete with them?"
"Second thing - we got a scrimmage scheduled for two weeks from Monday against Serra High School. Y'all know Serra - they won the state championship two years ago, they send kids to the league every year, and they're gonna test everything we've been building."
I'd heard of Serra. They were one of those California powerhouse programs that college coaches used as a measuring stick for talent.
"This scrimmage is gonna tell us exactly where we stand. Are we ready for the national schedule, or do we need to scale back our ambitions?"
The room was focused now. This wasn't just about one game - this was about the future of the entire program.
"Third thing," Coach Rivera continued, "and this one's about individual opportunities. The West Coast Elite Showcase is happening at USC next month. It's the most elite regional camp on the West Coast. College coaches, scouts, the whole deal."
My heart started beating faster. USC was legendary - the same place where legends like Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart had played.
"I got five spots available. Five players who I think can compete at that level and represent this program the right way."
Tyler was sitting calmly now. With his Stanford and USC offers already in hand, this was more about maintaining relationships than proving himself.
"Tyler Brooks - you're going. You've earned it with three years of production, and Stanford wants to see you compete against elite West Coast talent."
Tyler nodded professionally. This was expected.
"Cameron Preston - you're going. Your quarterback play has improved dramatically, and college coaches need to see what you can do against elite competition."
Cameron looked surprised but pleased. He'd been working his ass off, and the recognition meant something.
"Derek Chen - you're going. Your route running and reliability deserve that level of exposure."
Derek's face lit up. This was probably the biggest opportunity of his high school career.
"Alex Morrison - you're going. Your slot receiver skills are ready for the next level."
Alex tried to contain his excitement but couldn't hide the smile.
"And Jakari Williams - you're going."
The room stayed quiet, but not with shock this time. After what I'd shown in practice, it made sense.
"Coach," James Patterson raised his hand. "What do we need to do to earn opportunities like this in the future?"
"Keep working. Keep improving. Show me in practice and in the Serra game that you belong at the next level." Coach Rivera looked around the room. "Gentlemen, this program is about to take a major step forward. We can either step up with it or get left behind. That's your choice."
After the meeting, Tyler walked up to me as we were leaving the office.
"USC campus," he said with a grin. "That's gonna be sick. You been there before?"
"Nah, but I heard about it. That's where all the legends played."
"Exactly. And now we get to show what we can do on that field." Tyler's confidence was infectious. "You ready for that level of competition?"
I thought about where I'd come from, everything I'd been through to get to this point.
"Been waiting my whole life for this."
Tyler nodded approvingly. "Good attitude. Look, some of the younger guys might be intimidated by you getting picked so quick, but don't let that affect you. You earned this spot."
"Appreciate that."
"Plus, having you there makes us all look better. Shows that our program can develop talent from anywhere."
As I walked back toward the dorm, my phone buzzed with a text from Isabella: How was the meeting? Everything okay?
I smiled, still getting used to the fact that I could text her now.
Me: Really good actually. Found out I'm going to this elite football showcase next month. At USC.
Isabella: USC?! That's incredible! I'm so proud of you.
Me: Thanks. Want to celebrate? Dinner somewhere off campus?
Isabella: I'd love that. Pick me up at 7?
Me: Perfect
Isabella: And Jakari? You've earned this. Don't let anyone make you feel different.
Back in my room, Cameron was already there, still processing what had happened in the meeting.
"Bro, we're going to USC," he said, shaking his head with excitement.
"You deserve it. You been working hard."
"But playing on the same field where Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart played? That's crazy to think about."
I thought about that. USC had a legendary football tradition - national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, countless NFL stars. Now I was gonna get the chance to show what I could do on that same field.
"Yeah, it's gonna be something special."
"You nervous about the freshmen coming in?"
"Nah. Competition is good. Makes everybody better. Plus, we supposed to be role models for them."
"True. Coach Rivera's right though - the program's changing. If we ball out this season, everything could be different next year."
My phone rang. It was Maya.
"Yo, what's good?"
"Just checking on you. How's everything going out there?"
"Actually really good. Just found out I'm going to this elite football showcase next month. At USC."
"USC? Like the real USC? That's huge, Jakari!"
"Yeah, it's crazy. Still don't feel real."
"It's real because you made it real. All that work you been putting in." I could hear the pride in her voice. "Tayanna's gonna be so proud of her godfather when she gets old enough to understand."
Hearing about Tayanna made my chest warm. "How's she doing?"
"Growing so fast. She's starting to grab at things now, and she smiles every time I show her your picture."
"For real?"
"I swear. This little girl knows who loves her."
After we hung up, I sat on my bed thinking about everything that was happening. New freshmen coming who I'd need to help mentor. A scrimmage against a powerhouse program that would test everything we'd learned. A showcase at USC that could change my recruiting prospects forever.
And Isabella, who wanted to celebrate with dinner off campus.
Six months ago, I was in juvie wondering if I'd thrown my life away. Now I was getting opportunities I'd never dreamed of, preparing to compete on legendary fields against the best talent in the country.