Cricket, with its speedy 5G network, reminds you HBCUs are all about networking. And there's no better way to network than on Cricket Wireless. Maybe that's why people who come to Cricket stay with Cricket. Cricket 5G requires compatible device and is not available everywhere. Discount varies per line. Additional fee, usage, and restrictions apply. See Cricket Wireless.com for details.

Hey everybody and welcome back to Echoes of the Yard. My name is Kendyl Terrell, your host, a soccer player at Jackson State University, and this podcast is dedicated to all things HBCU. From the guests to the topics, the good, the bad, we're here to talk about it all. For the fifth episode, I'm excited to have Rico Powers from one of the best HBCUs in my opinion, Jackson State football player. Thank you. So let's just jump right into it. Where are you from? Tell everybody where you're from, how you were raised. Give us a little bit of insight on what brought you to where you are today.

Well, I'm from Savannah, Georgia. I'm 22 years old. I've always loved football. I've been playing football since I was four, so that's probably why I'm still playing it right now to this day, but I love it. So why did you start playing football? What would you say your reason why is the reason you got into your sport? I would say because of my mom. She introduced me at a young age, and ever since then, I just ran with it. That's all I've been loving to do, honestly, since I've been young. The only thing I have passion for, for real. Is football an escape for you? Because I know soccer is an escape for me. Do you turn to football when you're going through a bunch of stuff and stuff like that? Definitely. When I'm playing football, it's definitely a clear space of mind.

When I'm on the field or when I'm just doing anything with football, it's my happiest place, for real. That's what I'm most happy at. When I'm just smiling and joking. It's like a family when I'm with my brothers. It's like a brotherhood. I'm pretty sure you know it's just soccer. I love that. I love that. So, tell me about your childhood. I know you went through a lot growing up, and if you're comfortable, I definitely would love for you to share your story because I feel as though a lot of people would relate to that. So, if you could tell me about the struggles you faced, the obstacles you had to overcome, I definitely think it would be really good for you. I really think how I grew up, that's where I get my ambition and my demeanor from.

I grew up really kind of rough and poorly. I remember traveling shelter to shelter, being homeless for a small part of my time. But when mama was able to get on her feet, she was just able to take care of me, give me the things I need and not the things I wanted. But it still goes as hard as I need to go in football to be able to take care of my family and my loved ones who took care of me. Do you have any siblings? Do you think you're like a role model for any of your siblings? Do you have any? I have four younger brothers. I'm the oldest out of all my brothers. So I feel like I'm definitely their role model.

They definitely look up to me, but they still make the same bad decisions I made. So I don't see where they're learning from. You know what I'm saying? So when did you realize you were good enough to play football? Football in college? What was the turning point for you? I'll say, I really say probably my sophomore year of high school. That's when I started getting all my offers pretty much. And that's when I knew it was real for me. You know, college coaches coming up to you in school, asking you, you getting out of class, all type of stuff. It was just a crazy reaction. And I'll say definitely seeing Kirby Smart fly his helicopter to my school. That was a crazy experience. That's actually insane. That was crazy right there.

I'll never forget that. So, what was your recruiting process like when you did get to that point where you had to make a decision where you wanted to go? Man, it was, that story is crazy too, because I was getting in trouble as well. So, it was like my stock was going up and down, up and down. Schools were still strong with me, but they just knew I had a little problem going on. And they just wanted to know if I was going to be able to overcome that when I came to college. I felt like I pretty much did a little bit, but I ended up choosing South Carolina because it pretty much was closest to home out of all my schools.

Like, out of my top five, I had Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn, Nebraska, Oregon, and Purdue. So, I just chose South Carolina because I knew I was going to be on the field early and it was closest to home. So, I was able to get all my family down there to watch me play. I love that. So tell me, tell me more about your experience. Like, give me a little insight on South Carolina. Like, how was it for you? What was it like stepping onto the campus, becoming your college athlete? Like, what was the biggest change from going to high school to college? Like, what was that like for you? I would say the business part of it, I would say pretty much like you have to really like understand what you're there for, what you're trying to accomplish and your why.

But I would say for as far as me going to college, I was just so immature. I was just so immature. I didn't really understand what I was, what I wanted to do. I didn’t really understand what I wanted to do. I wanted to get out of it. So I would say that pretty much the business part. And just on how much free time you have, you got to be able to manage your time. So if you can manage your time wisely, I feel like you'll be okay. And just make sure you're around the right people who have your best interest. Yeah. Did you ever get like caught up in like the party life? I know when I first got into college, I was like, oh my gosh, I'm finally free in the sense.

But like, did you find yourself like falling like victim to being in the party life? Like, loving like the attention and stuff like that? Was that one? Do you think that's one of the biggest things you struggled with at first? Yes, early. That and being around the wrong people. That would kind of mess me up. Yeah. So that was the biggest point. So how did you end up at Jackson State? Tell me about how you got to your HBCU. Well, before I even knew about Jackson State, so I was playing football at South Carolina with Shiloh. And after he left South Carolina, he had gone to Jackson State. You know, play with his dad, Deion, of course. So after I kind of found myself in a tough situation at South Carolina, I still wasn't overcoming my obstacles.

So I just felt like it was best that I just thought over somewhere else. And my coaches felt like that as well. So just sitting back, just really thinking and just focusing on becoming a better person, better player for myself. Jackson State just popped up. I was able to get in contact with Shiloh. And he was telling me how he's interested in me. And Deion is, his brother is too, they're interested in me and coming to Jackson State. So I told him I'd think about it. And then eventually, they gave me the opportunity. I love that. So like hearing that it was an HBCU, like, did you get a positive? Or like, the first thought in your mind was negative? Like, what were you thinking when you heard like Jackson State was an HBCU?

It was so much stuff going through my mind. I ain't gonna lie. I felt it was positive, though. Because I wanted to always play in front of my culture, play in front of my people, and I always wanted to know what that felt like. So I felt like that was always going to be a positive. I felt like the negative part was the things that maybe they were lacking that PWI don't lack, as in resources. I was also worried about classroom, like study hall, my tutors, was it going to be the same? You know, was I was going to get the same treatment as I was at South Carolina? I was worried about all those stuff, pretty much. Did you think like South Carolina basically babysat you, like compared to Jackson State?

Or what was like the biggest difference for you? Like, coming from Power Five to an HBCU, knowing how like, they give the stereotype to HBCUs, like, they don't understand that we genuinely have raw talent here. But just because we're at HBCU, they overlook us. So what was the biggest difference between the Power Five and the HBCU? Yeah, HBCU, you gotta work for everything. I ain't gonna lie. You gotta go out there and get it yourself. It ain't gonna be handed to you. You're not gonna be treated like, no, you're not gonna get it. Yeah, so it's like, it's a big difference. But I love the ground, you know, I feel like that came from my background, you know, my demeanor, my ambition, like I say, just coming up rough.

So I always felt comfortable being where I'm at here. So I think being at Jackson State, like really showed me like the humbling experience, like you go to somewhere that does have all that, but then going to Jackson State reminds you of how you were raised. Like, for me, at least, everything we worked for, I'm the youngest, so it's just like, okay, the grind is nothing new to me. It's just back to like, you're stomping grounds, back to feeling like you're at home, just you just got to work for everything you want. But when did you first notice the resource gap between South Carolina and Jackson State? Like, the resources that you had at South Carolina and the ones we have at Jackson State, what did you realize?

Actually, when I came to visit, I see, I seen it right away when I came to visit. Like the locker room, the facility, totally different. It's totally different. I'm like, Jackson State doesn't have a nice facility because we actually do probably have the best in HBCU, honestly. Yeah. Oh, for sure. It's a big difference in those buildings, honestly. That was the big difference. But if you have the same mindset, you're going to get to the same goal. I like that. I like that. So like, in hindsight, was there anything like at South Carolina that you like took for granted at the time and missed once you got to JSU? Can you elaborate on that? Like, what was the biggest thing that you think you took advantage of, like, took for granted?

I feel like everything. I feel like everything. Because I honestly didn't know how good I had it until I came to HBCU. Honestly, I feel like PWI, they just, they just give you the best, just best resources to put you where you want to be. But don't, that don't give no, no bad on HBCUs because honestly, you can still make it out of HBCU school. It's just literally all up to you and what you want to do. So, yeah, I feel like, I feel like, I feel like, I feel like, I feel like, I feel like, yeah, I definitely think it's all about your networking, like who you know, who you talk to, who you get in contact with.

And I think being like, I'm also someone that's come from not just the HBCU, like it took me a minute to get to my HBCU, but I wouldn't change it for the world because it's like maybe the one I am today. So it's like, how much have you changed in the last few years, few years at JSU? Like, what do you think, like, you saw the biggest difference in who you are as a person right now? I feel like I changed a lot as a whole, honestly. I feel like coming here humbled me and it taught me and showed me things that I needed to see. It also put me in a position that I needed to be in so I could understand, okay, when I do get to where I want to be, I know how to control it and I know how to like move when I get there.

So I feel like I definitely needed this, like this was a stage in my life that I needed. Do you still feel as though like you made, made a couple mistakes that you had to bounce back from? Yeah, I feel like I changed a lot as a whole, honestly. I feel like like, do you think you still had to go through stuff to also develop into the player you're trying to be in the upcoming year? Yeah, I definitely do. As long as I learn from my lessons, that's all that matters. I feel like I never take a loss. Yeah. Yeah. As long as you just don't dwell, don't dwell on your mistakes. Because really, as long as you never give up, you can always win. You're always in your future.

I like that. So you played for Deion. What was that like? Because people have a lot of opinions about coaching. As a former player, what do people get wrong about him that you think? That he's, um, I wouldn't say he's cocky. If you honestly like, if you honestly be around him and you know him, that's just him. That's what makes him him. That's what makes him prime. Like that's just him. Nobody's gonna never change him. So I don't see, I don't look at him as cocky. He's just an overly confident person. And I understand why. I mean, he's somebody I can see, I can relate to. Somebody who's been through all this. Trials and tribulations, but still stands up, never gave up, and still came out on top.

That's a role model to me. And not even just that, how I look at him, I don't even look at him as a coach. Um, cause it's like him playing for the Falcons. I'm from Georgia. So it was like my, my dad, my mom's a fan of him. So I always heard of him, but I never like really watched him. So when I finally got a chance to like meet him and be around him, like, okay, now I actually see like what the hype was about. And I'm like, okay, now I actually see like what the hype was about. And who he was. Cause like I said, I don't look at him as a coach. I look at him like he's the best player that ever played the sport that I'm trying to play for as long as I can.

So it's different. I love that. So like, what was that feeling stepping onto the field? Like, I know how our fans get for our football team. So like, what was that like in the, um, in the games you played while being coached by Bron? Like, how was that? It's an unmatched feeling. I can't even, I can't even tell you that. PWI is, is more exciting because playing for Dion was just, it was like a movie. I ain't gonna lie to you. We had everything you need. We had the fans, we had celebrities, we had the players, the coaches, the swag, the division, the everything. It was like everything that PWI, PWI had, he provided it for us. And he just wanted us to know that it don't matter where you come from.

You good. You can, you know? You can both get it at the same. I love that. So, like, so as a player, like, what is, I'm so curious, what is your game day ritual? Like, what do you do, like, you getting ready for game day? Like, I'm the type of person, like, I don't like to touch my phone. I do not like when people ruin my game days. And, like, you've been to some of our games, so it's just kind of like, nah, like, when I'm on the field, that's it. It's me versus everybody. So, like, what is your go-to ritual for your game? Like, what do you do? I definitely just wake up and just relax for a little minute. Take in all the moment, I would say.

And then just bond with my teammates. You know, we have team dinner, so I would bond with them, you know, laugh or joke with them. But I also let them know, like, it's getting closer to that time. Like, it's go time, you know what I'm saying? But after I eat dinner with them, I'm by myself. I'm isolated. Like, I just need time to think. And just to focus and lock in. I might go over my plays, but I pretty much don't, because I feel like if I go over my plays, it's going to make me nervous. Yeah. I ain't never nervous. I just need to walk in and handle my business. See, like, that's where we're different. Yeah. Yeah, because, like, I'm the type of person, like, I don't know why, like, I still get anxious after all these years of playing.

But once that whistle blows, I'm fine. Like, I'm fine. I'm locked in on the game. But it's just, like, I get anxiety for the game. I'm just like, okay, I need this to start. I need this to go. Because, like, it's like the just the anxiety. It's just the fun of the ride. Like, you're just ready. I feel like you're just ready. I get like that, too. Yeah, yeah. But I feel like we've been doing it for so long. It's not really nerves, because we've been doing it for so long. You know, it's just like, and we're just ready to display what we can do. We're ready to display our talents for the world, you know? That's what, it's that alpha driving. Do people often mistake, like, your passion for the game for, like, anger?

Or cockiness? Like, do you also feel like you've been misjudged? Can you elaborate on that? Like, any experiences you've had? I could just say last year, I was suspended the last five games. I felt like it was wrong, but I could have avoided that. I could have made better decisions. I could have gone about it a different way than what I did. But when I'm playing football, it's just like, I go zero to 100 real quick. Like, my passion is so clear, you know? So, it's just like, I don't know. I wear my heart on my sleeve. So, I feel like some people just don't really know how to really, how can I say this? Really understand somebody like that. Or really understand a player when they don't even really know them, you know?

So, some people might take it as, like, oh, he's a crash out. He's a hothead. But if you really know me and you really understand, you'll know why. I just take it. I, like, trust and believe I know exactly what you go through. I mean, I'm a 6'2 soccer player. You don't see a lot of me. And I think a lot of people confuse my passion for the game for, like, anger and just, like, cockiness. And when in reality, I just want it so bad. Like, it's just all I've known. It's either you do dog eat dog, you survive, you get it done, or you don't. So, like, for me, I think it just, people confuse that with, like, oh, my gosh, she wants to be right about it.

Or she wants to be the center of attention. No, I just want to win. I don't care how we do it. I just want to do it, you know? You know? It is, bro. Like, if we could win and everybody's doing their job and everybody's satisfied and happy, that's all I want. That's literally all I want. Exactly. And I can relate to the suspension. This last spring, like, I won't hide it. I'll be open about it. I was suspended for about two weeks. I just, I feel as though it's not, I wouldn't say, yeah, I think it's really not fair. For someone to ask something from one teammate, and they try and try and try, and people continue to poke a bear and poke a bear and poke a bear.

And once the bear just finally snaps to get punished for it, I definitely disagreed with how the whole situation was handled. But I still could have showed up for my team, and I think that's where I found my faults at. Like, I walked out, I left the game, and that was definitely on me. I should have just stayed even through my emotions, because I have a hard time with, like, my emotions being controlled by other people. Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Yeah. Definitely. Like, I was like, yeah, I'm done. Like, I just packed my shit up, and I went out, if I'm being honest. And then, so, I like I got basically the short end of the stick. I got humbled. My teammates were like no like you left out on us.

Like what do we how do we know like you won't leave us again or give up on us again or this and that. But I think they only saw it from their perspective. And it's hard it's hard to agree with some of their decisions because it's like you don't want to hear me. You don't want to understand me. But that also goes to like the relation of how I was raised and how they were raised. Like some people were raised with both parents. I was raised with one. Like it's hard to get into that sense. But I definitely can relate. So, how would you rate your overall experience at Jackson State as a student first? Just a student. As a student? Yeah. Oh, man. Well, oh, man. How can I say this?

Because I'm not really a good student. But I do what I need to do. I do what I need to do. You get by. Like, you do what you have to do. To survive. So, I have all online classes. So, I don't go to class. No. I ain't. I've been having all online classes for going on three years now. So, it's been a minute since I just stepped foot in a classroom, you know. But I feel like just being a student here, I'll say that's fun, too. You get to see the experience as well. Not only from football, but y'all went into it in soccer. We went in in band. I feel like we went in in everything. Our girls' basketball team and everything.

So, I feel like the kids on campus, the students on campus, I feel like they feel good about themselves. Like, you know, they feel like they went into our school, went in in everything. And we went in in academics, too. I just feel like overall, like, we're a good school. And I just seen, we just got nominated for, like, the best HBCU in tuition. We did. And, like, one thing about Jackson State is, like, they are going to win. They're going to ride for their school. The alumni, the students there, like, the Jacksonians, they don't play about Jackson State, like, at all. So, I love that. I will say one thing about that. I do feel like our alumni is pretty stronger than some PWI alumni. I will say that.

Oh, for sure. Alumni at HBCUs are, like, actually insane. Like, they are die-hard Jackson State fans. Really following you up. Like, every day following you up. For sure. So, okay. Now, rated as an athlete. As an athlete? Mm-hmm. Oh, man. Oh. I give it. Man. I give it. Overall, I give it. Damn, that's hard. I want to give it an O. I want to give it, like, an 8.9. A nine. I give it a nine. I give it a nine, man. Playing with Dion, too. It's crazy. Like, I don't think people really understand how crazy that was. Like, it was so surreal. Like, speaking with my teammates from that team to this day, like, we still talk about it. We wish we could go back into that moment, but we can't, man.

So, it's just so, so real. So, do you think playing for an HBCU has made college sports easier or harder for you? It depends. It depends. I feel like our politics look at it. It made it tougher for me. But I feel like, for me, I feel like I made it easier for myself. I feel like when you come to HBCU, it's not so much pressure on yourself. Like, everything's so much serious and it's so much business. And also, maybe because of my coaches, they just relate it to me better. I'm coming from my coaches. Maybe. I don't know. But I really don't know. I just say, I feel like politics just make it seem like our level of talent isn't where it's supposed to be.

But I feel like if you got the talent, they'll come get you from anywhere. You just have to be there. You just have to put it on film and show it. I feel like the best dogs really was underdogs, too. Like, Tom Brady. Oh, yeah. We love to call them underdogs. Yeah. I feel like they're the best dogs anyway. Yeah. Because they know what it's like to come from the bottom. You know what I'm saying? Like, they know what it feels like to fight your way. Yeah. Okay. So, before we get to the last question, is there anything you'd want to share about your story that you think people should know or anything about? About being a student athlete at Jackson State, like, that people should know before we get to our last question?

I don't really think I have too much to say. I really feel like people can really understand me and read me through my paper. Like, I play hard. I go hard. Why wouldn't I? You know what I'm saying? That's how I feel though, right? Why wouldn't I? Because that's how I play. Yeah. That's how I look at it. I don't feel like other people looking at it how we look at it. But that's how we look at it. Like, it's real serious business. Yeah. Like, it's like. You get it done or you don't. That's why I feel as though I'll have a good day if we win, but my day will suck if we lose. Like, that's just how it is. Right. Right. So, our last question is presented by our sponsors, Cricket Wireless.

So, shout out to Cricket, a proud supporter of HBCUs, culture, and communities. So, how has going to an HBCU influenced the person you are today? A lot. I feel like I made my family proud, honestly. I feel like I made our culture proud. We need more people like me. Coming to HBCU, like us, I say, definitely. Definitely you, as a woman, being powerful as you are in your sport, we just need more people like us to come and, you know, show the world, show people, like, hey, HBCU, we got the athletes, too. We here, too. We just need y'all to come support, come check us out. Take their chance. Yeah. Tune in on us, you know? Yes. Like, come experience it. Like, if you don't like it, okay, you can leave.

But, like, come make a difference. Like, people that look like us don't get the opportunities like others do. So, just come take that chance and put us on the map. I feel as though that would be so, like, such an experience they haven't even realized they need it yet. Definitely. Definitely. That's what we need. I feel like Dion, he put a little glimpse on it, on us. I feel like we just got to keep it going. Yeah, for sure. Well, thank you so much for joining me, Rico. Listeners, thanks for tuning in. We've got tons of more great guests, and we'll continue about HBCUs from all angles. So, make sure you rate. Review and subscribe so you don't miss out on more Echoes of the Yard presented by Cricket Wireless. For sure. I appreciate y'all. I appreciate you, Kendyl. Thank you for having me. Of course.